Cardiac tamponade complicating percutaneous catheterization of subclavian vein.

Cardiac tamponade has not been reported previously as a complication of central venous pressure (CVP) monitoring catheters inserted via the percutaneous subclavian vein approach. In one patient perforation of the vein by the catheter resulted in the catheter lying free in the mediastinum. Deterioration of the patient prompeted increasing infusion of fluids through this catheter with incresing cardiac compression. Relief was obtained after a thoracotomy. Ti is suggested that this complication may be recognized in the future and corrected without thoracotomy if radiopaque dye is infused through the CVP catheter.