Misplacement of Tunneled Hemodialysis Catheter into Azygos Vein: Left or Right Jugular Insertion Has Similar Susceptibility

Placement of a Subclavian Tunneled Hemodialysis Catheter with the Patient's Arm Raised May Reduce the Risk of Complications: Two Cases Report

The subclavian vein is an uncommon route for tunneled hemodialysis catheter (tHDC) placement because of its potency for future dialysis access. However, when favored access routes have been exhausted because of repeated catheterization or limited life expectancy, the subclavian vein can be used for urgent hemodialysis. A subclavian catheterization has a technical problem. The subclavian vein often forms a right angle with the vena cava, and advancing stiff peel-away sheath can cause a vascular injury. However, raising the patient's arm can alter the position of the guidewire and, therefore, change the angle of the vein favorable for tHDC placement. Herein, we report two patients who underwent subclavian catheterization; one experienced an injury to the superior vena cava after undergoing the conventional procedure, whereas the other patient with raised arm during the catheterization procedure had safe catheter placement.

Misplacement of a central venous catheter into azygos vein via the right internal jugular vein

For critically ill patients, central venous catheterization may not always be placed in a correct tip position, even when guided by ultrasound. A case of inadvertent catheterization into azygos vein is described.