RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Brachial Plexus Neuropathy Following Attempt at Subclavian Vein Catheterization
JF Regional Anesthesia: The Journal of Neural Blockade in Obstetrics, Surgery, & Pain Control
JO Reg Anesth Pain Med
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 163
OP 165
DO 10.1136/rapm-00115550-199621020-00013
VO 21
IS 2
A1 Trentman, Terrence L.
A1 Rome, Jeffrey D.
A1 Messick, Joseph M.
YR 1996
UL http://rapm.bmj.com/content/21/2/163.abstract
AB Background and Objectives The subclavian vein is often used for placement of central venous catheters, and the possibility exists of nerve injury as a complication of the procedure.Methods A 58-year-old woman undergoing subclavian central catheter placement sustained a brachial plexus injury. A review of the English-language literature revealed no reports of brachial plexus injury during placement of a subclavian central catheter, although three reports were found in the non-English-language literature.Results The anatomic relationship of the subclavian artery, vein, and brachial plexus at the supraclavicular triangle is described, and suggestions are given as to how to avoid this problem.Conclusions Brachial plexus injury can occur with placement of subclavian central catheters, but proper technique should minimize this complication.