Thrombotic obstruction of the subclavian artery associated with inadvertent arterial puncture on attempted right internal jugular vein cannulation - A case report

Internal jugular vein cannulation is commonly used for the anesthetic management of patients undergoing a major operation. Complications associated with internal jugular vein cannulation such as a carotid artery puncture, pneumothorax and hemothorax, have been reported; however, thrombotic complications of arteries due to accidental arterial punctures are rare. We report a case of thrombotic obstruction of the subclavian artery associated with inadvertent arterial puncture following an attempted internal jugular vein cannulation. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2008; 55: 95～8)