Emergency department infraclavicular subclavian vein catheterization in patients with multiple injuries and burns

We assessed the complications associated with emergency department placement of subclavian vein catheters in trauma and burn patients, reviewing the charts of all of the 441 patients admitted to the burn-trauma unit through the emergency department during 1983. Fifty-two patients (12%) had infraclavicular placement of subclavian catheters while in the emergency department. Sex, age, insertion site, blood pressure at time of insertion, indications for placement, catheters left in place, and complications were recorded. Patients with severe chest trauma or known pneumothorax or hemothorax on the ipsilateral side of line placement were excluded. The eight complications (15%) directly attributable to the procedure itself were one pneumothorax, two hematomas at the site of insertion, one knotted catheter, two misplaced catheters, and two episodes of sepsis, confirming the higher complication rates for emergency subclavian catheter insertion. Two upper extremity, 14 gauge percutaneously placed intravenous catheters are usually sufficient for resuscitation; femoral and cutdown routes offer additional sites for massive resuscitation. Subclavian catheterization is seldom needed in the emergency room. Any intravenous lines inserted in the emergency room should be changed within 24 hours to minimize infection.