Migration of Central Venous Catheter into the Pleural Space: A Rare Fatal Complication Averted

A 63 year old female operated for aortic valve replacement had a complication of a misplaced subclavian central venous catheter into the pleural space. A major complication was averted because of the chest tube drain which was placed intraoperatively and a q uick diagnosis by visualization of the serous drainage in the immediate postoperative period.