title: Cardiothoracic emergencies associated with subclavian hemodialysis catheters.
abstract: Three adults have had life-threatening perforations of the vena cava or right atrium associated with the use of subclavian hemodialysis catheters. Subclavian hemodialysis catheters should be meticulously positioned in the superior vena-caval lumen so the tip does not tent the vena-caval wall. If a patient with a subclavian hemodialysis catheter experiences unexplained and refractory hypotension, especially during hemodialysis, cardiac or vena-caval perforation should be suspected.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000209:etiology; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000293:injuries; D006335:Heart Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000628:therapy; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013350:Subclavian Vein; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior / Q000293:injuries*