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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Brachial Artery Catheterization in Swine
Published on: March 30, 2019
Brachial plexus neuropathy following attempt at subclavian vein catheterization. Case report
T L Trentman1, J D Rome, J M Messick
1Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Background And Objectives:
The subclavian vein is often used for placement of central venous catheters, and the possibility exists of nerve injury as a complication of the procedure.
Methods:
A 58-year-old woman undergoing subclavian central catheter placement sustained a brachial plexus injury. A review of the English-language literature revealed no reports of brachial plexus injury during placement of a subclavian central catheter, although three reports were found in the non-English-language literature.
Results:
The anatomic relationship of the subclavian artery, vein, and brachial plexus at the supraclavicular triangle is described, and suggestions are given as to how to avoid this problem.
Conclusions:
Brachial plexus injury can occur with placement of subclavian central catheters, but proper technique should minimize this complication.
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