Brachial plexus injury during subclavian vein catheterization for hemodialysis

Although the subclavian vein is often used for placement of double-lumen he modialysis catheters, the risk factors for complications for the patients w ith chronic renal failure are underestimated. We report a case of a patient with chronic renal failure in whom brachial plexus injury was caused by wi th a compressive hematoma and direct insertion of a needle resulting from a subclavian vein catheterization attempt for hemodialysis. This case emphas izes the need for determining the coagulation status of the patient especia lly with chronic renal failure before performing invasive procedures. (C) 2 000 by Elsevier Science Inc.