Austin Health

Title
Case report: Iatrogenic brachial artery dissection with complete anterograde occlusion during elective arterial line placement.
Publication Date
2018
Author(s)
Weinberg, Laurence
Abu-Ssaydeh, Diana
Spanger, Manfred
Lu, Patrick
Li, Michael H-G
Subject
Anaesthesia
Arterial catheter
Brachial artery
Case report
Ischaemia
Type of document
Journal Article
OrcId
0000-0001-7403-7680
DOI
10.1016/j.ijscr.2017.12.034
Abstract
Brachial arterial catheters provide a more accurate reflection of central aortic arterial pressure compared to their radial counterparts. Although brachial arterial line complications are uncommon, we report a case of a rare iatrogenic brachial artery dissection with complete anterograde occlusion from elective arterial line placement. A 41-year-old female presented for a right upper and middle lobe resection of a large neuroendocrine lung cancer. A brachial arterial line was inserted for continuous blood pressure monitoring using clinical landmarks. Six hours postoperatively the left hand was noted to be pale, cool and pulseless with complete paraesthesia. Thrombus was initially suspected on computed tomography angiography. Upon return to theatre, extensive dissection of the posterior brachial arterial wall was identified. We review our diagnostic pathway and treatment of this rare complication. Recommendations to minimise the risks of complications from brachial arterial line insertion are also overviewed. We recommend the routine utilization of ultrasound-guided technique and regular post-insertion neurovascular monitoring for the prevention and early recognition of complications from brachial artery catheter insertion.
Link
Citation
International journal of surgery case reports 2018; 42: 269-273
Jornal Title
International journal of surgery case reports
ISSN
2210-2612

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