Advantages
Disadvantages
Subclavian
  • It is a large vein with surrounding tissue preventing collapse 1
  • There are fixed bony landmarks 1
  • It is a comfortable catheter position for the patient 1
  • It allows for an easier secure fixation of the catheter 1
  • It is a clean site with reduced risk of infection, potentially allowing longer duration of use 1
  • Higher incidence of complications particularly pneumothorax 1
  • Difficult to compress in the event of arterial puncture 1
  • Landmarks are less readily identifiable, particularly in obese patients 1
  • More difficult to visualise with ultrasound due to clavicle 1 - more lateral approach required
  • Curved route makes misplacement of catheter more likely 1
  • Can lead to subclavian stenosis precluding the use of the extremity for renal access 1