Inadvertent arterial placement of central venous catheter: salvage using endovascular treatment

Manish Shaw1, Sheragaru Hanumanthappa Chandrashekhara2, Arun Sharma1

  • 1CVR & EI, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

BMJ Case Reports
|November 10, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Central venous catheter (CVC) placement in emergencies can lead to inadvertent subclavian artery (SCA) insertion. This case demonstrates successful endovascular management using a covered stent graft for misplaced CVC in the SCA.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Interventional Radiology
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Central venous catheter (CVC) use is increasing, often in emergency settings for venous access.
  • Unintended subclavian artery (SCA) cannulation can occur during CVC placement without imaging guidance.

Observation:

  • An unusual case of CVC inadvertently placed into the left SCA is presented.
  • The patient required immediate intervention for this critical complication.

Findings:

  • Successful endovascular management of the misplaced CVC in the SCA was achieved.
  • A covered stent graft was utilized to repair the arterial wall and secure the catheter's position.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a rare but serious complication of CVC insertion.
  • Endovascular techniques, specifically covered stent grafts, offer a viable solution for managing inadvertent arterial placement of CVCs.