[Injuries of the pleural cupula and lung apex during catheterization of the subclavian vein, and their prevention].

In the clinic 1442 catheterizations were performed, 1156 of them being catheterizations of the subclavian vein. Dangerous complications such as punctures of the posterior wall of the subclavian vein in combination with injuries of the pleura cupola and apex pulmonis were observed three times. Hemo-, hydro- and pneumothorax accompanying these complications in different combinations are contraindications to repeated puncture and catheterization of the subclavian vein both in the left and in the right. Recommendations are given to reduced possible complications.