Unintentional Common Carotid Artery Cannulation During Attempted Internal Jugular Vein Catheterization: A Case Report

Central venous catheter placement is a common procedure, performed on a daily basis. It is relatively a safe procedure, with low complication rate. However serious complications can occur, especially in cases of inadvertent artery cannulation. The consequences can be devastating, if the situation is not immediately recognised and managed. The preferred sites for cental venous cannulation are the right sublavian or the right internal jugular vein. Arterial puncture is a well-recognized complication, while unintended subclavian or carotid artery cannulation during attemped central venous catheterization are infrequent, but documented complications. Endovascular or surgical treatment can be employed to repair inadvertent arterial cannulations. This paper presented a case of a female patient after abdominal surgery, who had an attempt of placement of central venous catheter in the intensive care unit, because the need for optimal delivery of drugs, fluid and parenteral nutrition. During the attempt of the right internal jugular vein cannulation, the carotid artery was cannulated. The situation was immediately recognised and managed by a vascular surgeon. The patient recovered completely without any neurological decifit.