Catheter Misplacement Following Subclavian Vein Catheterization Under Ultrasound Guidance: An Infrequent and Unusual Malposition

Abstract

The most common malposition seen during subclavian vein cannulation is to the ipsilateral internal jugular vein. We report a case of unusual malposition of a subclavian central venous catheter, where it was found to be forming a “figure of U” in the ipsilateral subclavian vein. Although the catheterization was done under ultrasound guidance, we could not visualize the course of the guidewire due to a poor ultrasound window. This report highlights the fact that although ultrasound can facilitate identification of the vessels and prevent inadvertent arterial puncture, it seldom helps in the positioning of the guidewire tip and prevention of catheter malposition.