Hemothorax and Subclavian Artery Laceration during “J” Wire Change of a Right Internal Jugular Vein Catheter

CENTRAL venous cannulation via the right internal jugular vein is commonly used in the treatment of the critically ill patient. Although complications such as carotid artery puncture or pneumothorax have been reported, 1 that of hemothorax is relatively uncommon. We describe a case of a hemothorax and subclavian artery laceration that was recognized while changing an 8.5-French introducer to a 7.0-French triple-lumen catheter using a J wire.