Routine subclavian vein catheterization in thoracic surgical practice.

A total of 101 routine subclavian vein catheterizations in patients with elective thoracic surgical procedures were performed at the Medical University of South Carolina Hospitals over a two-year period. This was done primarily to have ready access to large veins, particularly in the axial plane of the body and to free the patient's extremities from uncomfortable immobilization and the risk of superficial thrombophlebitis in the postoperative period. The procedure is very safe, and complications are rarely encountered if experienced personnel place and then care for the catheter.