BACKGROUND: Although catheterization of the subclavian vein is a common procedure, the risk factors for complications and failures, with the exception of the physician's experience, are poorly ...

The right subclavian artery was inadvertently punctured during attempted preoperative insertion of a right subclavian venous catheter in a 59-yr-old woman undergoing radical hysterectomy.

During emergency room treatment, a large-bore catheter was placed in the right subclavian vein using the landmark approach; although advancement was uncomplicated, aspiration was not possible.