Subclavian aneurysm causing brachial plexus injury after removal of a subclavian catheter

The use of central venous catheters is associated with many different complications, some of which can be life threatening. Most complications associated with the use of central venous catheters are either immediate and occur around the time of catheter insertion, or are delayed and are related to the duration of catheter use. Complications occurring after removal of central venous catheters are reported infrequently but are still a cause of significant morbidity. The following case report illustrates a serious complication which occurred after a large gauge central venous catheter was removed from a patient and demonstrates the importance of close observation not only at the time of catheter placement but also when such devices are removed.