title: The incidence of delayed pneumothorax as a complication of subclavian vein catheterisation.
abstract: Delayed pneumothorax after subclavian vein catheterisation is a poorly recognised complication which can result hours or days after the catheter placement. We present our experience, during a three-year prospective study of 318 patients with 343 catheter placements in the subclavian vein. Seven patients (2.2%) developed pneumothorax immediately after the subclavian vein catheterisation. Two patients (0.6%) developed delayed asymptomatic pneumothorax that was recognised 48 and 72 hours after the catheter placement. The importance of recognition and treatment of this complication is obvious in patients with a central venous catheter, especially when they are to be operated under general anaesthesia and/or mechanical respiratory support.
authors.affiliation: Surgical Nutrition and Metabolism Unit, University of Patras, Greece.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Spiliotis
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kordossis
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kalfarentzos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000209:etiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013350:Subclavian Vein; D013997:Time Factors