Haemopericardium: a rare fatal complication of attempted subclavian vein cannulation. A report of two cases.
This paper describes two otherwise unrelated cases of fatal haemopericardium resulting directly from attempted cannulation of the right subclavian vein. Although this is an extremely rare complication, it is essential that all physicians involved in establishing central venous access are aware of the danger of causing this condition, and how the use of a careful technique of insertion can minimize the risk.
Department of Anaesthesia, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, Lindley, UK.
D L
DL
Hamilton
R M
RM
Jackson
D000328:Adult; D001011:Aorta / Q000293:injuries; D016121:Brachiocephalic Veins / Q000293:injuries; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009339:Needles / Q000009:adverse effects; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D013350:Subclavian Vein; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior / Q000293:injuries