[Cave canulam et dilatationem. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and surgical repair of a vessel perforation following central venous catheterization].

A 58-year-old female patient was scheduled for minimally invasive cardiac surgery. For drainage of venous blood to the heart-lung machine insertion of a central venous large diameter catheter was a prerequisite. During insertion into the right internal jugular vein by the anesthesiologist a life-threatening perforation of the subclavian artery occurred. The patient suffered hemorrhagic shock and advanced cardiac life support was carried out for approximately 18 min. Immediate surgical repair was successful and the originally planned operation was then performed. Concurrently, mild therapeutic hypothermia was established for 24 h to protect the cerebrum. Within 4 days the patient recovered without any neurological deficits.