Transient right hemidiaphragmatic paralysis following subclavian venous catheterization: possible implications of anatomical variation of the phrenic nerve -a case report-

Korean J Anesthesiol. 2013 Dec;65(6):559-61. doi: 10.4097/kjae.2013.65.6.559. Epub 2013 Dec 26.

Abstract

Phrenic nerve paralysis is an unusual complication associated with central venous catheterization. Various mechanisms have been proposed. We present a case of transient right hemidiaphragmatic paralysis after subclavian venous catheterization. We hypothesize that anatomical variation of the phrenic nerve was responsible for this complication.

Keywords: Central venous catheterization; Phrenic nerve.