Abstract:
Cannulation of the subclavian vein has many advantages when compared to other anatomical sites for central venous access. Difficulty in its ultrasonic visualisation, and the perceived consequent ‘higher’ complication rate, mean that this approach has fallen out of favour. This barrier, however, may now have disappeared. In this article, we discuss the indications, contraindications and complications associated with subclavian vein cannulation, and present an ultrasound-guided approach to infraclavicular subclavian cannulation.
Reference:
Davies TW, Montgomery H, Gilbert-Kawai E. Cannulation of the subclavian vein using real-time ultrasound guidance. J Intensive Care Soc. 2020 Nov;21(4):349-354. doi: 10.1177/1751143720901403. Epub 2020 Jan 23. PMID: 34093738; PMCID: PMC8142095.