Cardiac temponade following left internal jugular venous catheterization--a case report.

Central venous catheterization is a routine procedure performed by anesthetists. Various complications, have however, been reported during this procedure. Cardiac temponade, for one, is a rare but serious life threatening complication. Although percutaneous catheterization of central viens is a routine procedure requiring advanced operating skills, yet the monitoring, early detection and management of cardiac temponade is vitally important.