The incidence of delayed pneumothorax as a complication of subclavian vein catheterisation.

Delayed pneumothorax after subclavian vein catheterisation is a poorly recognised complication which can result hours or days after the catheter placement. We present our experience, during a three-year prospective study of 318 patients with 343 catheter placements in the subclavian vein. Seven patients (2.2%) developed pneumothorax immediately after the subclavian vein catheterisation. Two patients (0.6%) developed delayed asymptomatic pneumothorax that was recognised 48 and 72 hours after the catheter placement. The importance of recognition and treatment of this complication is obvious in patients with a central venous catheter, especially when they are to be operated under general anaesthesia and/or mechanical respiratory support.