Acute contralateral hemothorax after cannulation of the left subclavian vein for hemodialysis
Rodríguez, J.; Bárcena, M.; Alvarez, J.
Revista Espanola de Anestesiologia y Reanimacion 49(8): 428-431
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0034-9356 PMID: 12455324 Document Number: 550776
Contralateral hemothorax after subclavian vein cannulation is a rare complication of this procedure. We report one case of acute contralateral hemothorax due to perforation of the superior vena cava during left subclavian vein cannulation for hemodialysis. Perforation was attributed to the forced insertion of the skin dilator, which was accidentally pushed too far. Chest pain began immediately after perforation and was followed, a few minutes later, by hemodynamic instability. The signs and symptoms described in this report may serve to warn of the possibility of this complication.