Q: While performing subclavian central vein cannulation, you inadvertently puncture the subclavian artery. Beside applying pressure, which one other maneuver may help in preventive massive bleeding?


Answer:  Elevation of the ipsilateral arm

Ideally, like Internal Jugular vein(IJ) Subclavian vein(SC) should also be cannulated under ultrasound guidance. Special probes are available for subclavian vein visualization under ultrasound. In case, if during SC-CVC cannulation subclavian artery gets punctured, after withdrawing the needle, alongside applying pressure, elevating the ipsilateral arm overhead may help, as it compresses the vein.