Merk E A, Rush B F
Am J Surg. 1975 Mar;129(3):266-8. doi: 10.1016/0002-9610(75)90237-8.
One hundred consecutive subclavian catheter insertions were performed by the surgical house staff of Martland Hospital, Newark, New Jersey, over a ten month period. The only complications were three punctures of the subclavian artery and one systemic infection. The following conclusions were drawn from these data. Maintaining a closed intravenous system with minimal manipulation of the catheter is the most important factor in avoiding infectious complication. Neither the routine use of irrigation of the catheter with amphotericin B nor insertion of the catheter under strict aseptic conditions is necessary to minimize infectious complications. The morbidity related to insertion of the catheter can be kept to a minimum if the catheters are inserted by experienced personnel.
