ACUTE AIRWAY-OBSTRUCTION FOLLOWING PLACEMENT OF A SUBCLAVIAN HICKMAN CATHETER

The purpose of this case report is to describe the events, interventio n, and aetiology which led to acute airway obstruction in an adult pat ient after the placement of a Hickman catheter. Airway obstruction sec ondary to superior vena cava obstruction occurred after placement of a subclavian vein Hickman catheter. This was felt to occur, in part, to a narrowed superior vena cava as evident by subclavian venography. It resulted in emergency oral tracheal intubation to relieve airway obst ruction. Shortly after removal of the Hickman catheter, the signs of s uperior vena cava obstruction syndrome resolved and the patient was ex tubated without incidence. It is concluded that, although rare, the se rious complication of acute airway obstruction can occur after placeme nt of a Hickman catheter.