Transient phrenic nerve blockade during internal jugular vein cannulation using the anterolateral approach

Permanent injury to the phrenic nerve from cannulation of both the internal jugular and the subclavian veins has been reported. The authors describe a case in which transient hemidiaphragmatic paralysis occurred following the injection of lidocaine and before puncture of the right internal jugular vein. This complication likely was secondary to the injection of lidocaine in the area of the internal jugular vein and a subsequent transient blockade of the phrenic nerve.