Pitfalls in Portacath location using the landmark technique: case report.

Academic Surgery (Breast Unit) and, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. susannahwyles@doctors.org.uk

A 34 year old woman diagnosed with breast cancer and liver metastases underwent a left subclavian Portacath insertion. During the procedure, the clinical features and the findings of intra-operative investigations provided conflicting evidence of the catheter position. This report highlights the potential difficulties in establishing long-term central venous access, the limitations of common investigations and safety issues relating to the process of subclavian line insertion.

PMID: 17547779 [PubMed]

PMCID: PMC1891304