[HSF] Intimal Tears

[Hgrmd at aol.com]

Ani,
  Though I'm sure it's not been examined, I would bet you that  teaching 
institutions have proportionately more M and M with lines than would be  found in 
the typical private practice setting.  While a chief resident in  general 
surgery many years ago, I had an intern who fatally lacerated a  subclavian artery 
with a central line needle.  Changing the angle of the  needle while it is 
deep in the neck or chest is the presumed mechanism.  
  Academics and private practice settings have their pros and  cons.  Having 
a resident readily available at 2 in the morning is offset by  the danger of a 
new resident with a big needle.
 
Hal



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