Unintentional transfixation of a transverse cervical vein during placement of an interscalene brachial plexus catheter.

Cervical hematoma during placement of a catheter into the interscalene groove is a known complication of the procedure. I describe the occurrence of a hematoma while using a new system that is compatible with a nerve stimulator and offers the ability to aspirate during both needle placement and catheter insertion.