Iatrogenic subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm causing airway compromise: Treatment with percutaneous thrombin injection

Central venous cannulation is an increasingly common diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in modern medical practise. Inadvertent iatrogenic injury to an adjacent major artery during attempted central venous cannulation is an uncommon but potentially lethal complication. If injury, leads to pseudoaneurysm formation, complications may arise from mass effect, embolism, or even rupture with continued hemorrhage. Traditional surgical repair of these lesions is often difficult, especially if access within the thorax is required in patients at high risk. We present a case report of successful management of a large subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm with the new approach of percutaneous thrombin injection. (J Vasc Surg 2004;40:371-4.).