Korean Journal of Critical Care Medicine  2015;30(2):119-122

doi:10.4266/kjccm.2015.30.2.119

Subclavian Artery Laceration Caused by Pigtail Catheter Removal in a Patient with Pneumothorax.

Hyo Jin KIM ; Yang Hyun CHO ; Gee Young SUH ; Jeong Hoon YANG ; Kyeongman JEON

Keywords

hemothorax; laceration; pneumothorax; subclavian artery; thoracostomy

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

We report a case of subclavian artery laceration caused by the removal of a pigtail pleural drainage catheter in a patient with a pneumothorax. The patient was successfully resuscitated through diagnostic angiography with subsequent balloon occlusion and primary repair of the injured subclavian artery. Although pigtail drainage of a pneumothorax is known to be safe and effective, proper insertion and removal techniques should be emphasized to reduce the risk of complications.