Therapeutic strategy of central vein perforation accompanied by a mediastinal lesion after catheterization

Central vein perforation associated with a mediastinal lesion is a rare complication of catheterization. A 50-year-old woman was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and required hemodialysis treatment. The patient developed central vein injury during attempted placement of a double-channel catheter. A computed tomographic scan and venography showed that the catheter had punctured the mediastinum from the central vein. After comprehensive assessment and multidisciplinary consultation, percutaneous catheter thrombin injection with follow-up balloon dilatation under fluoroscopy guidance successfully fixed the perforation. We summarize the therapeutic strategy of this complication and other treatment options, and discuss the related literature of central vein injury