ABSTRACT
This chapter provides information for performing central venous access in subclavian vein. It begins with a case scenario of a 33-year-old man who is presented with a closed head injury requiring barbiturate coma. The chapter then includes details on indications, contraindications, and information about supplies, positioning and technique. Pearls and pitfalls are also incorporated, providing additional insights and practical advice not always available in other textbooks or articles. If the patient is hypotensive and health care professional are unsure whether the subclavian vein or artery has been entered, compare the color of the withdrawn blood with a specimen from an arterial line, or attach a pressure transducer and IV tubing to the needle to obtain pressure (arterial versus venous).
