Contralateral hemothorax secondary to chronic subclavian dialysis catheter

Subclavian vein catheterization offers a rapid, safe method for providing acute or short term hemodialysis. The technique has been associated with very few complications. 3 patients are described who developed hemothorax several weeks after the placement of a subclavian catheter. Perforation of the superior vena cava by the tip of the cannula could be demonstrated only by the injection of contrast media into the catheter.