title: Subclavian artery-to-innominate vein fistula: a case caused by subclavian venous catheterization.
abstract: Arteriovenous fistulas caused by subclavian vein catheterization occur rarely. Most subclavian vein catheters are inserted through an infraclavicular subclavian venipuncture with passage of a vessel dilator and peel-away sheath over a guidewire. We report a previously undescribed complication of this technique, namely, a right subclavian artery-to-right innominate vein fistula. The mechanism of injury was perforation through the opposing walls of the respective vein and artery due to stiffness of the vessel dilator that could not negotiate the curve from the subclavian vein to the innominate vein. Measures to avoid this complication are described.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson 85724.
authors.forename: T S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Pabst
authors.forename: G C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Hunter
authors.forename: K E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: McIntyre
authors.forename: F N
authors.initials: FN
authors.lastname: Parent
authors.forename: V M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Bernhard
mesh_terms: D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D016121:Brachiocephalic Veins; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013348:Subclavian Artery