Extravascular Course of Central Venous Catheter: A Rare Subclavian Complication Detected via Thoracoscopy

Central venous catheterization via the subclavian vein is commonly performed due to its advantages, including lower infection rates and greater patient comfort. However, mechanical complications such as malposition may occur. We present a rare case in which a subclavian central venous catheter traversed extravascularly through the thoracic cavity before re-entering the superior vena cava, detected incidentally during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The catheter was successfully removed without complications. This case highlights the importance of verifying catheter placement, as blood aspiration from all lumens does not guarantee correct positioning. In this report, the extravascular course and management of the subclavian catheter in the thoracic cavity during thoracoscopic surgery are discussed.