Complications of subclavian catheterization in hemodialysis patients

Subclavian vein catheterization, the most commonly used temporary vascular access for hemodialysis, is associated with a variety of complications. This retrospective study was done on 96 patients who had 150 percutaneous subclavian vein catheterizations over a one year period using Quinton double lumen polyurethane catheters. A total of 56 complications were seen of which 12 were immediate and 44 delayed. Immediate complications seen were six cases of failure of insertion of catheter and three cases each of subclavian artery puncture and inadvertent entry of the catheter into the jugular vein. Delayed complications seen were infection in 33 cases, thrombosis of subclavian vein in six patients, delayed pneumothorax in four cases and hemothorax in one. One patient, who required repeated catheterizations since he refused creation of AV fistula, died of septicemia. The remaining patients responded well to the treatment of the respective complications.