Percutaneous closure after inadvertent subclavian artery cannulation

Accidental insertion of an arterial sheath is an uncommon but potentially serious complication of jugular venous catheterization. When the subclavian artery is inadvertently cannulated, sheath removal can be complicated by significant hemorrhage due to its incompressible location. We report a case of inadvertent insertion of an 8 French sheath into the subclavian artery, which was successfully removed and the puncture site sealed with a collagen-based vascular closure device (Angio-Seal STS Plus). This averted an otherwise emergent open surgical procedure to remove the sheath and repair the subclavian artery in a high-risk patient.