title: Pulmonary and aortic punctures--complications of an attempt at internal jugular venipuncture.
abstract: A case of pulmonary and aortic punctures occurred during an attempted internal jugular venipuncture in a patient with a dilated aortic arch. Procedural errors contributing to the complications included an inexperienced operator, inappropriate medial and caudal angulation of the needle, and failure to use a "finder" needle or Seldinger technique. Use of proper procedural technique will reduce the risk of complications in performing this procedure.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000293:injuries*; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000601:surgery*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D006491:Hemothorax / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins; D055370:Lung Injury; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy