Subclavian venipuncture following ipsilateral extrapleural dissection is hazardous

Subclavian artery puncture is an infrequent complication of subclavian vein cannulation. In spite of the limited ability to apply direct pressure to the bleeding vessel, significant hematoma or exsanguinating bleeding rarely occurs. This study was a retrospective chart review of a neonate who underwent extrapleural repair of a tracheo-esophageal fistula and sustained significant blood loss following an accidental ipsilateral subclavian artery puncture. This case highlights the importance of an intact apical pleura in controlling bleeding from the subclavian vessels. Thus, ipsilateral percutaneous subclavian venipuncture should be avoided in patients in whom the apical pleura is not intact.