Massive iatrogenic hemothorax during cannulation of the left internal jugular central venous line.

Abstract

The internal jugular central venous catheter is an invasive device that is inserted into a central vein and advanced until the distal lumen resides in the atrium. It was first described in 1929 and since then, multiple techniques and devices have been developed. It is a procedure that is routinely carried out in the operating room and in intensive care units for hemodynamic monitoring and support, parenteral nutrition, hemodialysis, fluid supply and vasoactive drugs. Next, a case of iatrogenesis in the cannulation of a central venous line is described, the development of the events and the importance of the speed of the team's action, which was decisive for the outcome of the case. It is exposed with the aim of remembering the seriousness of the possible consequences of a technique with which anesthesiologists are very familiar in our daily clinical practice, which is not without risks.