Pulsed Doppler Ultrasonography Guidance for Catheterization of the Subclavian Vein: A Randomized Study

Background: Catheterization of the subclavian vein may lead to severe complications. The current randomized study compared a technique of pulsed Doppler ultrasonography guidance and the standard method for subclavian vein catheterization.

Methods: Standard and Doppler ultrasonography guidance methods were performed by the same physician in 286 patients, 143 in each group. Primary end points were immediate complications (arterial puncture, pneumothorax, wrong position of catheter tip), failures, the number of subclavian vein catheterizations with immediate complication or failure, the number of skin punctures per catheterization, and the time to placement of the guide wire. The secondary end points were the determination of predicting factors of successful cannulation in each group.

Results: Both groups were similar according to morphologic parameters of the patients. A greater number of subclavian vein catheterizations were performed on the right side using Doppler guidance (105 vs. 73, P < 0.01). Doppler guidance decreased complications (5.6% vs. 16.8%, P < 0.01), largely because of a smaller number of catheters for which the tip was defined to be in incorrect position (0.7% vs. 7.7%, P < 0.01). The time to catheterization was longer with Doppler guidance (300 vs. 27 s, P < 0.001). Failures, catheterizations of the subclavian vein with immediate complications or failure, and the total number of skin punctures per catheterization were similar in both groups. Using Doppler guidance, the presence of a good Doppler signal (124 of 143) was predictive of successful catheterization (123 successful cannulations, P < 0.001).     

A Randomized Trial of Ultrasound Image-based Skin Surface Marking versus Real-time Ultrasound-guided Internal Jugular Vein Catheterization in Infants

Background: Ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization has been recommended to increase the procedural success rate and enhance patient safety. However, few studies have examined the potential advantages of one ultrasound technique with another, specifically in small infants.

Methods: The authors randomly assigned 60 neonates and infants weighing less than 7.5 kg to an ultrasound-guided skin-marking method (n = 27) versus real-time ultrasound-assisted internal jugular venous catheterization (n = 33). The times to successful puncture of the internal jugular vein and to catheterization were measured. Attempts at needle punctures for successful catheterization were counted. Procedural complications were recorded.

Results: In the real-time group, compared with the skin- marking group, venous puncture was completed faster (P = 0.03), the time required to catheterize was shorter (P < 0.01), and fewer needle passes were needed. Specifically, fewer than three attempts at puncture were made in 100% of patients in the real-time group, versus 74% of patients in the skin-marking group (P < 0.01). A hematoma and an arterial puncture occurred in one patient each in the skin-marking group.     

Pulsed Doppler Sonography for the Guidance of Vein Puncture: A Prospective Study

Abstract: Blind deep venous puncture is an invasive procedure with risks of serious complications compromising the availability of veins for future punctures or endangering the patient's life. We designed a new hand–held pulsed Doppler probe for coaxial guidance of the puncture needle and a dedicated pulsed Doppler device displaying the depth of the measurement volume. We used this technique prospectively in two independent centers (the nephrology department and the intensive care unit) involving senior as well as junior staff members. Either the non–Doppler or the Doppler method were randomly selected for subclavian vein catheterization in 100 patients and for internal jugular vein catheterization in 30 patients. The success rate on the first attempt was 86. 2% for the non–Doppler method versus 96. 8% for the Doppler method (p = 0. 03). The failure rate of the non–Doppler method used by junior staff members was 9. 2%, reduced to 1. 5% (p = 0. 05) by secondary use of the Doppler method and/or help from a senior staff member (rescue procedure). Pulsed Doppler guidance reduced significantly the failure rate of venous punctures especially when used by seniors or by juniors after a training period.     

A potentially fatal complication during subclavian vein catheterization in an infant with congenital heart disease-puncture to pulmonary artery directly: a case report

The most frequent and acute complications of subclavian vein catheterization are arterial puncture to the subclavian artery and pneumothorax. We report an arterial puncture directly to the pulmonary artery in infant during subclavian vein catheterization.     

A randomized trial of ultrasound image-based skin surface marking versus real-time ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein catheterization in infants

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization has been recommended to increase the procedural success rate and enhance patient safety. However, few studies have examined the potential advantages of one ultrasound technique with another, specifically in small infants. METHODS: The authors randomly assigned 60 neonates and infants weighing less than 7.5 kg to an ultrasound-guided skin-marking method (n = 27) versus real-time ultrasound-assisted internal jugular venous catheterization (n = 33). The times to successful puncture of the internal jugular vein and to catheterization were measured. Attempts at needle punctures for successful catheterization were counted. Procedural complications were recorded. RESULTS: In the real-time group, compared with the skin- marking group, venous puncture was completed faster (P = 0.03), the time required to catheterize was shorter (P < 0.01), and fewer needle passes were needed. Specifically, fewer than three attempts at puncture were made in 100% of patients in the real-time group, versus 74% of patients in the skin-marking group (P < 0.01). A hematoma and an arterial puncture occurred in one patient each in the skin-marking group. CONCLUSIONS: The real-time ultrasound guidance method could enhance procedural efficacy and safety of internal jugular catheterization in neonates and infants.     

血液透析患者三种深静脉置管临床效果比较及护理体会

目的比较颈内静脉、股静脉、锁骨下静脉置管在血液透析患者临时置管中的疗效。方法 90例慢性肾功能衰竭行血液透析患者,随机分为三组,每组30例,分别行颈内静脉、股静脉、锁骨下静脉置管。结果颈内静脉、股静脉、锁骨下静脉一针穿刺成功率分别为90.0%(27/30),96.7%(29/30)及86.7%(26/30),组间比较无显著差异(P0.05)。三组置管使用天数分别为(35.5±16.5)d,(38.6±20.3)d,(58.9±22.5)d,使用次数分别为(12.3±5.0)次,(15.6±6.3)次,(23.7±8.7)次,静脉回流不畅发生率为26.7%,33.3%和6.7%,锁骨下静脉组优于其他两组(P0.05)。结论锁骨下静脉置管更适于作为慢性肾功能不全患者血液透析的临时通道。     

Analysis of 13800 Subclavian Vein Catheterizations

During the period 1974-1983, 13 857 subclavian or internal jugular vein catheterizations were analysed in the same hospital. The data on the catheterizations have been collected prospectively in the hospital computer. In 93% of the cases, catheterization was subclavian vein cannulation performed through the infraclavicular route. In 15% of the cases the catheter position was not ideal, verified with x-ray; e.g. the catheter tip was turned into the internal jugular vein. Of the catheters 70% were kept in place for less than 7 days, and only 6% for over 2 weeks. More than one catheterization was required in 26% of the cases during the same hospitalization. Recatheterization is an important prophylactic measure for preventing septic complications, if suspicion of infection arises. In 5% of the cases, some complications occurred, but they were mostly minor, such as haematoma at the puncture site. More serious complications were 19 pneumothoraces (0.1%). The results suggest that subclavian vein catheterization is a fairly safe method for large-scale use in a hospital, if only a limited group of physicians perform it. Certain precautions should, however, be taken.     

Verletzungen herznaher Gefäße durch zentralvenöse Katheter

Injuries to blood vessels near the heart can quickly become life-threatening and include arterial injuries during central venous puncture, which can lead to hemorrhagic shock. We report 6 patients in whom injury to the subclavian artery and vein led to life-threatening complications. Central venous catheters are associated with a multitude of risks, such as venous thrombosis, air embolism, systemic or local infections, paresthesia, hemothorax, pneumothorax, and cervical hematoma, which are not always immediately discernible. The subclavian catheter is at a somewhat lower risk of catheter-associated sepsis and symptomatic venous thrombosis than approaches via the internal jugular and femoral veins. Indeed, access via the subclavian vein carries a substantial risk of pneumo- and hemothorax. Damage to the subclavian vein or artery can also occur during deliberate and inadvertent punctures and result in life-threatening complications. Therefore, careful consideration of the access route is required in relation to the patient and the clinical situation, to keep the incidence of complications as low as possible. For catheterization of the subclavian vein, puncture of the axillary vein in the infraclavicular fossa is a good alternative, because ultrasound imaging of the target vessel is easier than in the subclavian vein and the puncture can be performed much further from the lung.     

Brachial plexus injury during subclavian vein catheterization for hemodialysis

Although the subclavian vein is often used for placement of double-lumen hemodialysis catheters, the risk factors for complications for the patients with chronic renal failure are underestimated. We report a case of a patient with chronic renal failure in whom brachial plexus injury was caused by both a compressive hematoma and direct insertion of a needle resulting from a subclavian vein catheterization attempt for hemodialysis. This case emphasizes the need for determining the coagulation status of the patient especially with chronic renal failure before performing invasive procedures.     

The complications of puncture catheterization of the subclavian vein and their diagnosis]

The authors describe 21 complications which occurred in puncture catheterization of the subclavian vein in 1,276 (1.65%) patients. They varied widely in character--hemothorax, pneumothorax, thrombosis of the subclavian vein, etc. The case record of one patient with traumatic pneumothorax after puncture catheterization of the subclavian vein is discussed in detail.     

Transverse cervical artery pseudoaneurysm: a rare complication of internal jugular vein cannulation

Internal jugular vein cannulation has become the preferred approach for temporary hemodialysis catheter placement following reports of an increased incidence of subclavian vein stenosis due to subclavian vein catheterization. Internal jugular vein catheterization is associated with a high rate of successful catheter placement. However, significant complications such as internal carotid artery (ICA) puncture, pneumothorax, vessel erosion, thrombosis, airway obstruction and infection can occur. The most common complication is ICA puncture. More recently a few cases of thyrocervical trunk pseudoaneurysm and fistula following internal jugular vein and subclavian vein catheterization attempts have been reported. Patients with renal failure who are on hemodialysis may have to undergo multiple catheter placements and vascular access interventions. This, along with their comorbid conditions, increases the risk of such complications. Here we report a patient on hemodialysis who developed transverse cervical artery pseudoaneurysm following an attempted right internal jugular vein catheterization. We report this case because of its rarity, to raise awareness of such a complication and to discuss different treatment options, in particular endovascular coil occlusion. A review of relevant literature is also presented.     

不同超声引导平面技术在颈内静脉穿刺置管术中的临床应用

目的比较长轴平面、短轴平面和斜轴平面超声引导下颈内静脉穿刺置管的临床效果,探讨最佳的穿刺引导平面。方法选择昆明医科大学第一附属医院急救医学部EICU收治的患者180例,男94例,女86例,年龄34~82岁,按前瞻性随机试验方法分为短轴平面组、长轴平面组和斜轴平面组,每组60例。在超声引导下使用三种不同的引导平面行颈内静脉置管术,记录三组刺入目标血管时间、总穿刺时间、穿刺针进针改变方向的次数、穿刺点数量和置管成功率。记录三组颈内静脉置管的并发症(气胸、血肿和误穿动脉)。结果三组患者均顺利完成超声引导下颈内静脉穿刺置管术。短轴平面组和斜轴平面组刺入目标血管时间和总穿刺时间明显短于长轴平面组,斜轴平面组刺入目标血管时间和总穿刺时间明显短于短轴平面组(P0.05);三组穿刺点数量差异无统计学意义;短轴平面组进针改变方向次数最多,斜轴平面组进针改变方向次数最少(P0.05);斜轴平面组误穿动脉发生率明显低于长轴平面组和短轴平面组(P0.05),三组均未发生气胸、血胸。结论与长轴平面和短轴平面比较,使用斜轴平面行颈内静脉穿刺置管术可降低危重患者行颈内静脉穿刺置管术中误穿颈总动脉的风险和缩短穿刺时间,是安全而有效的超声引导下颈内静脉穿刺路径。     

Respiratory jugular venodilation: a new landmark for right internal jugular vein puncture in ventilated patients

OBJECTIVE: To report a new technique for right internal jugular vein puncture using respiratory jugular venodilation as a landmark for vein location. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Single community hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred patients undergoing right internal jugular vein cannulation under general anesthesia. INTERVENTIONS: Catheter placement was attempted using respiratory jugular venodilation as the primary landmark. When it was not applicable, an alternative technique using the carotid pulse as a landmark was used. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Visibility of the venodilation, the number of needle passes, the success rate, and the incidence of arterial puncture were analyzed. Respiratory jugular venodilation was observed in 158 patients (79%). In this group of patients, the jugular vein was cannulated at the first attempt in 83.5% of patients, and arterial puncture occurred in one patient (0.6%). In the remaining 42 patients (21%) lacking the visible venodilation, catheter placement was accomplished at the first attempt in 42.9% of patients (p<0.01 v. the venodilation-visible group), and 4 patients (9.5%) suffered arterial puncture (p<0.01). The overall incidence of arterial puncture was 2.5%. The success rate of cannulation (within four needle passes and no arterial puncture) was 98.1% in the venodilation-visible patients and 73.8% in the others (p<0.01), with the overall success rate of 93%. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory jugular venodilation can be identified in a large proportion of ventilated patients. This experience suggests that respiratory jugular venodilation could be favorably used as the primary landmark for right internal jugular vein puncture in anesthetized patients.     

Pulmonary artery catheterization by the percutaneous approach to the axillary vein

The choice of venous access can be difficult in patients under intensive care. The axillary vein appeared interesting to evaluate. This prospective study involved 63 punctures carried out in 59 patients during a 16 month period (14 females and 45 males; mean age: 54 +/- 4 yr). 34 patients were tracheostomized and under controlled respiration; some had coagulation abnormalities (8 cases). The other 29 patients were undergoing a preoperative haemodynamic study. Puncture of the axillary vein was carried out with the needle inserted at an angle of 30 degrees to the skin surface and directed parallel to the artery medial to its course. The Seldinger technique was used (catheter and guide wire). Overall success rate was 87.5%. In 73%, less than three attempts were required. After the catheter was set in place in the axillary vein, the mean time required to reach the pulmonary artery was 7 +/- 15 min (range: 20 s-45 min). Less than 1 min was needed in 60%. Extrasystoles were observed in 3.6%. The incidence of arterial puncture was 11% without any late complications. In every case, pulmonary artery and capillary wedge pressure curves were obtained, as well as cardiac output measurements. Mean duration of catheterization was 2 +/- 1.1 days in the preoperative haemodynamic group and 4 +/- 1.7 days in the other. No infectious complication was related to the catheterization. One thrombosis of the axillary and subclavian veins was noted (1.8%). The axillary vein appeared therefore to be useful for pulmonary artery catheterization. It is an alternative choice in patients under controlled ventilation and with coagulation problems.     

Ultrasound guided versus direct vein puncture in central venous port placement

Introduction: This study will report our experience on positioning of totally implanted venous catheter system (port-a-cath) as compared to ultrasound guidance versus blind technique. Materials and methods: From July 1996 to November 1999 in the vascular suite of the Europen Institute of Oncology, 427 port-a-cath were implanted in patients with neoplastic disease. All devices were implanted through the subclavian vein. 198 with ultrasound guided puncture and 229 following anatomical landmarks. All patients underwent a close and specific clinical and instrumental follow-up to evaluate possible complications. Results: Use of Ultrasound (US) in subclavian vein catheterization has reduced the number of puncture attempts, with a better patient complicance, allowing a faster procedure and reducing peri-procedural complications. Ultrasound technique has shown reduction in early complications. In fact in our experience we had no pneumothorax events by using ultrasound guidance, versus 11 events with blind technique. US has shown no reduction in late complications: 3 thrombosis versus 6 thrombosis with US guidance, and 3 fractured and embolized catheter versus 2 cases. Fibrin-cuff percentage was the same in the two groups with only 1 case, as the dislocation of the catheter tip in the jugular vein with 2 cases in both groups. Moreover US let us to avoid the arterial puncture and to perform a more peripheral puncture of the subclavian vein, reducing the risk of 'pinch-off' phenomenon and of haematoma, with no cases reported under US guidance versus 1 case respectively in direct vein puncture. Conclusions: US guided puncture of subclavian vein for the implantation of venous catheter system is faster by reducing procedure time, it is easier for the operator and safer for the patient than blind technique by exposing anatomical structures. Morevover US guidance reduces early complications and limits costs.     

Long-term central venous catheters: size and location do matter

BACKGROUND: Right or left side of placement for subclavian vein catheterization for placement of long-term central catheters and size of the catheters has not been analyzed completely. METHODS: The records of 502 consecutive long-term central venous catheters placed in patients while in the operating room over a 1-year period were reviewed and 230 subclavian vein tunneled catheters were analyzed. Technical difficulties in placing the catheters were defined as arterial puncture, guidewire malposition, catheter malposition, need to switch site of access, sheath difficulty, and inability to place the catheter. RESULTS: Three complications were identified (1%) and technical difficulties occurred in 15% of the patients. More difficulty was associated with the insertion of larger triple-lumen catheters than smaller single-lumen catheters (31% vs. 11%, respectively; P < .009). Right subclavian placement was associated with a 24.4% technical difficulty rate versus a 10.4% technical difficulty rate for left subclavian placement (P < .005). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports placing the smallest catheter necessary via the left subclavian vein.     

深静脉置管术在腹腔大出血患者抢救中的临床应用

目的研究锁骨下静脉、股静脉两种置管术在抢救急性腹腔大出血患者的临床应用价值。方法将120例急诊腹腔大出血患者,随机分为观察组和对照组,各60例。观察组行锁骨下静脉穿刺置管术,对照组行股静脉穿刺置管术。观察2组穿刺成功率、插管完成时间,误穿动脉率、穿刺口感染率。结果观察组首次穿刺成功率较对照组高,插管完成速度快,误穿动脉率、切口感染率低,并发症少,效果好。结论锁骨下深静脉穿刺置管术能够很好进行腹腔大出血患者的抢救治疗,优点多,适合在基层医院广泛应用。     

老年患者超声引导下锁骨下静脉与腋静脉穿刺的比较

目的比较老年患者超声引导下锁骨下静脉与腋静脉穿刺置管的效果。方法需要放置中心静脉导管的患者99例,男68例,女31例,年龄65岁,随机分为两组:锁骨下静脉穿刺组(SV组,n=49)和腋静脉穿刺组(AV组,n=50)。记录锁骨下静脉和腋静脉超声定位时间、静脉深度、静脉最大内径,计算静脉塌陷率。记录深静脉一次穿刺成功、二次穿刺成功、总穿刺成功例数和穿刺时间。记录误穿动脉、气胸等并发症的发生情况。结果与AV组比较,SV组超声定位时间明显缩短(P0.01),静脉深度、静脉最大内径明显增大(P0.01),呼吸塌陷率明显降低(P0.01),一次穿刺成功率和总穿刺成功率明显升高(P0.05)。两组二次穿刺成功率、穿刺时间差异无统计学意义。两组均无误穿动脉、气胸等并发症。结论老年患者超声引导下锁骨下静脉穿刺较腋静脉穿刺成功率高。     

Transpectoral ultrasound-guided catheterization of the axillary vein: an alternative to standard catheterization of the subclavian vein

Subclavian vein catheterization is associated with failure and complications because of injury to the nearby lung and subclavian artery. Its position, sandwiched between the clavicle and the first rib, makes sonographic imaging difficult. The medially pointed sonography probe makes it difficult to align the needle as well as image the entire needle. The axillary vein lies outside of the thoracic cage and can be easily imaged in its longitudinal view along with the entire needle, guidewire, dilator, and catheter in real-time. All described techniques of venous access using sonography have used transverse images of veins, and the needle is not completely visualized. Five cases of axillary vein catheterization using longitudinal section images of the vein, and following the needle, guidewire, and line with real-time sonography, are described. The use of longer puncture needles and introducer sheaths is suggested. A larger study is required to assess the potential of this technique.