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Updated: Aug 25, 2026

Computed Tomography (CT) Guided Implantation of a Totally Implantable Venous Access Port (TIVAP) through Subclavian Vein
Published on: January 13, 2026
Inadvertent puncture of the thoracic duct during attempted central venous catheter placement
Ulf K M Teichgraber1, Lutz Nibbe, Bernhard Gebauer
1Department of Radiology, Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum Humboldt-Universität zu, Berlin, Augusten berger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany. ulf.teichgraeber@charite.de
Abstract:
We report a case of puncture of the thoracic duct during left subclavian vein catheterization on the intensive care unit. Computed tomography and measurement of the triglyceride levels in the aspirated fluid proved the inadvertent penetration of the guidewire into the thoracic duct. Early recognition of central line misplacement avoided serious complications. Inadvertent central venous catheter placement into the thoracic duct may have the potential complications of infusion mediastinum and chylothorax.
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