Perforation of the superior vena cava after subclavian catheterization: a rare complication after autologous PBSCT

Complication of Right Subclavian Vein Catheterization: Superior Vena Cava Perforation

“…Although the central venous catheter-related complication rate is as high as 10 %, the rate of serious or fatal complications is quite low (1)(2)(3)(4)(5) . Potential complications include failure to enter into the vein for cannulation, subclavian arterial puncture, misplacement of the catheter, pneumothorax, hemothorax, damage to neighboring nerves and mediastinal hematoma (4,5) . The most common complication is pneumothorax with a rate of 2-3 %, and about one-quarter of these complications are observed in unsuccessful catheter attempts (3) .…”

“…The rate of complication has been reported to be 4.3 % for 1 attempt, 10.9 % for 2 attempts and 24 % for 3 or more attempts, respectively (2) . Additionally, large-bore catheter, catheter texture of poor quality, rigidity of the catheter and a catheter with a mobile tip are other risk factors for the venous perforation (4,5) .…”

“…Superior vena cava perforation due to central venous catheterization is a rare event (0.5 %). This complication leads to hemothorax, pneumothorax, hydromediastinum or pneumomediastinum (3)(4)(5)(6) .…”

“…The serious and fatal complications are cardiac tamponade, aortic puncture, arteriovenous fistula and perforation of superior vena cava (SVC). Vascular perforation rate reported in the literature is less than 1 % (2)(3)(4)(5) .…”

“…Subclavian vein catheterization is a procedure usually performed successfully and without any complications (1)(2)(3)(4) . Reported complication rate for the central venous catheterization is 0.3-12 %, and the most common complications are pneumothorax and hemothorax (2) .…”