A Rare Case of Central Venous Catheter Malposition – Handled by Sternotomy

A BSTRACT Hemodialysis (HD) is the mainstay of treatment for patients with end-stage kidney disease which requires placement of vascular access. Complications related to the placement of HD catheters are fairly common despite advancements in technological assistance. Here, we report a case of a young woman who had such catheter-related complication in the form of malposition in pericardium when the left internal jugular vein (IJV) was cannulated. The complication was immediately recognized, and with prompt surgical intervention, her life was salvaged. The importance of the case lies in the early recognition of the rare occurrence of malposition in the pericardium despite ultrasound guidance and early intervention after which her life was salvaged.