Brachial Plexus Injury during Subclavian Vein Catheterization for Hemodialysis

Abstract

Although the subclavian vein is often used for placement of double-lumen hemodialysis catheters, the risk factors for complications for the patients with chronic renal failure are underestimated. We report a case of a patient with chronic renal failure in whom brachial plexus injury was caused by both a compressive hematoma and direct insertion of a needle resulting from a subclavian vein catheterization attempt for hemodialysis. This case emphasizes the need for determining the coagulation status of the patient especially with chronic renal failure before performing invasive procedures. (C) 2000 by Elsevier Science Inc.