Key result
Subclavian vein catheterization was associated with a 6.6% incidence of pneumothorax, with delayed pneumothorax occurring in 5 patients between 8 and 96 hours postoperatively.
Why the study?
What is the incidence of delayed pneumothorax following subclavian vein catheterization?
Observational (n=114)
What is the incidence of delayed pneumothorax following subclavian vein catheterization?
Delayed pneumothorax is a notable complication of subclavian venipuncture that may present 8 to 96 hours post-procedure, challenging the utility of immediate post-procedure chest X-rays.
May warrant extended monitoring beyond immediate post-procedure imaging; this Level 3 cohort finding leaves open optimal surveillance protocols.
One hundred fourteen patients having 121 subclavian venipunctures were studied retrospectively. Eight pneumothoraces occurred (6.6%) and were most frequent after the insertion of large catheters, or when the subclavian area was distorted by previous venipuncture or radiation. Delayed pneumothorax occurred in five patients. This unusual diagnosis was made radiographically 8 to 96 hr postoperatively in response to the appearance of new pulmonary symptoms. Delayed pneumothorax required treatment with tube thoracostomy more frequently than immediate pneumothorax. This study establishes the approximate incidence of delayed pneumothorax for the first time. The relative frequency of this complication may challenge the cost effectiveness of pneumothorax diagnosis by chest films done within 1 or 2 hr of subclavian venipuncture. An alternative diagnostic protocol is considered.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
WILLIAM J. PLAUS (1990) conducted an observational in Subclavian vein catheterization (n=114). Subclavian vein catheterization was evaluated on Pneumothorax. Subclavian vein catheterization was associated with a 6.6% incidence of pneumothorax, with delayed pneumothorax occurring in 5 patients between 8 and 96 hours postoperatively.
Synapse has enriched 3 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: