The Korean Journal of Critical Care Medicine  2012;27(1):49-51

doi:10.4266/kjccm.2012.27.1.49

Central Venous Catheter Misplaced in the Innominate Vein after Penetrating the Left Subclavian Vein in a Neonate: A Case Report.

Sang Wook SHIN 1 ; Ji Uk YOON ; Hyeon Jeong LEE ; O Sun KWON ; Hyun Mok KIM

Affiliations

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Keywords

central venous catheter; misplace; neonate

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

In the pediatric ICU and operating room, a central venous catheter (CVC) provides accurate hemodynamic information and serves as a reliable route for the administration of vasoactive drugs, fluids and allogeneic blood products. The placement of CVC is associated with a complication rate of 0.4% to 20%, including hemothorax, pneumothorax, thrombosis, infection and cardiac tamponade. We describe a case of CVC being misplaced in the innominate vein after penetrating the subclavian vein during anesthesia induction for arterial switch operation. Our report discusses the mechanisms by which this mishap took place, and reviews the proper positions of the head, arm, thorax and safe depth of venipuncture for the placement of a CVC in neonates.