Percutaneous infraclavicular subclavian vein catheterization in shocked patients: a prospective study in 172 patients.

To assess the safety and efficacy of percutaneous infraclavicular subclavian venipuncture in shocked patients 172 consecutive cases were prospectively studied. Catheterization was successful in 163 patients (94.7%); in 119 (69.2%) of these only one attempt was required. Failure was encountered in nine cases (5.2%). There were nine (5.2%) serious complications, four requiring active treatment. Procedure-related mortality was nil. Extrathoracic placement of the catheter tip was detected on routine check chest X-ray in 24 cases (14.8%). Staff relatively inexperienced in the technique contributed eight of the nine complications and six of the nine failures. This study supports the concept that percutaneous infraclavicular subclavian catheterization in shocked patients is a relatively safe technique providing rapid access to a central vein.