Placement of central-lines through the subclavian (SC) route has several advantages over other sites of venous cannulation:
• Lower rates of infection
• Lower rates of deep vein thrombosis
Placing a central-line through the "blind" SC approach increases the risk of non-compressible vessel injury and pneumothorax as compared to other approaches (e.g. internal jugular).
Fragou, M. et al. Real-time ultrasound-guided subclavian vein cannulation versus the landmark method in critical care patients: a prospective randomized study. Crit Care Med. 2011 Jul;39(7):1607-12.
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