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.     

A randomized study of a new landmark-guided vs traditional para-carotid approach in internal jugular venous cannulation in infants

Background: Central venous catheterization is more difficult in infants than in adults. Ultrasound‐guided internal jugular venous cannulation may improve the accuracy of localization of the internal jugular vein (IJV), but ultrasound equipment is not universally available. The landmark technique remains essential in daily practice. Methods: One hundred and forty infants, aged 3–12 months, who were scheduled to undergo surgery for congenital heart disease, were randomly assigned to a new landmark‐guided group or traditional para‐carotid group. In the new landmark‐guided group, at the level of the cricoid cartilage, the carotid artery was marked, and the apex of the triangle formed by the two heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the clavicle was also marked. The needle was inserted at the midpoint of the two marked points and advanced in the direction of the ipsilateral nipple. Seven cardiac anesthesia fellows participated in this study, and each fellow performed 10 central catheterizations in each group. The times to successful catheterization of the IJV were measured. Attempts at needle punctures for successful catheterization and procedural complications were counted. Results: The IJV was successfully punctured within three attempts in 74% of infants in the para‐carotid group, compared with 94% in the new landmark‐guided group (P = 0.001). The time to successful catheterization was significantly shorter in the new landmark‐guided group (P < 0.01). The incidence of arterial punctures in the para‐carotid group was 11%, compared with 3% in the new landmark‐guided group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Compared with traditional para‐carotid approach, the new landmark‐guided approach for access of the IJV during teaching central catheterization significantly reduced carotid arterial puncture, provided a higher success rate and minimized procedure time in infants aged 3–12 months.     

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。     

The use of ultrasound for the placement of dialysis catheters

Background: The jugular vein should be preferred to the subclavian vein for the placement of dialysis catheters since subclavian catheters result in a high incidence (up to 50%) of subclavian-vein thromboses. Method: We conducted a prospective, randomized study between July 1996 and March 1997 to find out whether through the use of ultrasound, the rate of unsuccessful attempts in puncturing the internal jugular vein could be reduced. Seventy-three internal jugular vein cannulations were performed on 65 patients, using the guide-wire technique (according to Seldinger). Two groups were formed randomly by lot: in the first group the position of the internal jugular vein was marked on the skin by the use of ultrasound (Picker CS9100, Convex 3.5 MHZ) before disinfection and local anaesthesia took place. The puncture was performed according to this mark. In the second group, the internal jugular vein was cannulated with real-time ultrasound guidance on the monitor. Any withdrawal of the needle with a consecutive forward movement was judged as an unsuccessful attempt, whether or not a second skin puncture was performed. Result: Thirty-seven punctures of the internal jugular vein with a skin mark determined by ultrasound yielded 87 unsuccessful attempts. Thirty-six punctures with real-time ultrasound guidance resulted in 10 unsuccessful attempts (P<0.01). The time from the beginning of the local anaesthesia to successful puncture was 4.8±2.2 min in the first group compared to 3.4±0.9 min in the second group (P<0.01). The cross-section of the internal jugular vein in the first group was 1.7±0.8 cm² versus 1.5±0.8 cm² in the second group (not significant). Neither of the two methods caused any complications. Conclusion: The puncture of the internal jugular vein with real-time ultrasound guidance resulted in significantly fewer unsuccessful attempts of venepuncture without requiring additional time.     

The accuracy of the central landmark used for central venous catheterization of the internal jugular vein

We simulated needle paths based on the central landmark used for central venous catheterization of the internal jugular vein. We obtained ultrasound images to quantify the landmark's accuracy (precision and bias) in 107 subjects placed in Trendelenburg position with their heads turned 30-35 degrees. We also determined the frequency of simulated carotid artery puncture. The simulated needle path missed the middle 80% of the lumen of the internal jugular vein in 34% of subjects (95% confidence interval [CI], 25% to 44%) and traversed the carotid artery in 26% of subjects (95% CI, 18% to 35%). Both events occurred in 20% of subjects (95% CI, 13%-29%). The landmark had a medial bias of 3.7 mm (95% CI, 2.7 to 4.8); it was more often (77 of 104 subjects) medial to the center of the right internal jugular vein (P < 0.001). The landmark was more likely to miss the internal jugular vein (odds ratio, 3.11; P < 0.016) and intersect the carotid (odds ratio, 3.03; P < 0.024) in obese patients. The central landmark should not be expected to yield frequent success on first needle pass without risk of carotid puncture because of its imprecision and bias. The measured bias should be considered when the central landmark is used for central venous catheterization.     

Comparison of Catheter-related Infection and Tip Colonization between Internal Jugular and Subclavian Central Venous Catheters in Surgical Neonates

Background: The primary aim of this study was to compare catheter-associated infections and tip contaminations between percutaneously placed central venous catheters in the internal jugular and subclavian veins in surgical neonates undergoing major noncardiac surgery.

Methods: The prospectively computerized protocols of 295 procedures were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: One hundred twenty-nine internal jugular venous (group I) and 107 subclavian venous catheters (group S) were included. The median postconceptual age was 37 weeks in group I and 38 in group S. The weight ranged from 580 g to 4.5 kg in group I and from 820 g to 4.5 kg in group S at the time of insertion. Significantly more catheter-associated infections were observed in group I (15.5 vs. 4.7%; chi-square analysis: P < 0.01). The internal jugular venous catheters were also associated with a significantly increased probability of an earlier onset of a catheter-associated infection compared with the subclavian venous catheters (log rank test: P < 0.01; Cox model: P < 0.01). This probability was only slightly increased by a lower weight (Cox model: P = 0.075), and it was not increased by a lower age (Cox model: P = 0.93). Significantly more catheter tips were contaminated by pathogens in group I (55.8 vs. 33.6%; chi-square analysis: P < 0.01).     

特殊体位患者颈内静脉置管策略

目的探讨特殊体位患者行颈内静脉置管的可行性和临床效果。方法对47例特殊体位(被动体位9例,强迫体位38例)下行颈内静脉置管的患者作好物品与患者准备,根据不同体位确定穿刺步骤和固定导管。结果 47例颈内静脉置管均成功,其中一次置管成功38例。中心静脉置管留置4~151d,中位数22d。留置过程中无与置管相关的不良反应或并发症发生。结论对特殊体位患者行颈内静脉置管需重视各操作环节,尤其是穿刺点定位、穿刺方向、穿刺深度及角度,以提高置管成功率,减少置管相关并发症的发生。     

Anchoring of the internal jugular vein with a pilot needle to facilitate its puncture with a wide bore needle: a randomised, prospective, clinical study

In this prospective, randomised study, consented adult patients of both genders were divided into two groups. In group 1 (n = 79) patients, during internal jugular vein cannulation, the pilot needle was removed before the wide bore needle (18G) puncture. In group 2 (n = 78) patients, the internal jugular vein was anchored by leaving the pilot needle in place during wide bore needle puncture. In demographically similar groups, the first attempt success rate improved from 64% in group 1 to 81% in group 2 (p < 0.05). Internal jugular vein puncture was more frequently detected at the entry of the needle with anchoring (group 2: 78%) than without (group 1: 53%); p < 0.05. Ultrasonography of a further 30 internal jugular vein punctures in each group demonstrated that the anchoring manoeuvre (group 2b) significantly (p < 0.05) prevented an indenting effect of the puncture needle, with a higher vertical to horizontal diameter ratio of the internal jugular vein when there was anchoring (0.97; SD 0.004) than without pilot needle anchoring (0.65; SD 0.008). In conclusion, when using surface landmarks, anchoring of the internal jugular vein with the pilot needle facilitated its puncture.     

Ultrasound-guided Internal Jugular Venous Cannulation in Infants: A Prospective Comparison with the Traditional Palpation Method

Background: Percutaneous cannulation of the internal jugular vein in infants is technically more difficult and carries a higher risk of carotid artery puncture than in older children and adults. In this prospective study, the authors tested their hypothesis that using an ultrasound scanner would increase the success of internal jugular cannulation and decrease the incidence of carotid artery puncture in infants.

Methods: After approval from the institutional review board and receipt of written informed parental consent, 95 infants scheduled for cardiac surgery were randomized prospectively into two groups. In the landmarks group, the patients' internal jugular veins were cannulated using the traditional method of palpation of carotid pulsation and identification of other anatomic landmarks. In the ultrasound group, cannulation was guided using an ultrasound scanner image. The cannulation time, number of attempts, success rate, and incidence of complications were compared for the two groups.

Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to weight, age, and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification. The success rate was 100% in the ultrasound group, with no carotid artery punctures, and 77% in the landmarks group, with a 25% incidence of carotid artery punctures. Both differences were significant (P > 0.0004). The cannulation time was less, the number of attempts was fewer, and the failure rate was significantly lower in the ultrasound group than in the landmark group.     

高频彩色多普勒超声引导直视下右颈内静脉穿刺置管术

目的评估高频彩色多普勒超声引导直视下右颈内静脉穿刺置管术的应用效果。方法在高频彩色多普勒超声实时引导及监测下,对64例尿毒症患者行右颈内静脉双腔导管置入术,将其分为直视组（36例）和对照组（28例,带穿刺架）,对比两组的穿刺效果。结果试验组与对照组一次成功率分别为94.44%和96.43%（P〉0.05,差异无统计学意义）。所有患者未出现误穿颈动脉、气胸等并发症。结论高频彩色多普勒超声引导直视下行右颈内静脉穿刺置管术安全、简便、有效。     

Percutaneous venous cannulation and central venous line placement by means of ultrasonography and ultrasonic Doppler

Ultrasonography is being increasingly used in the field of anesthesiology. One major indication is visualization of central venous vessels, in particular the internal jugular vein before and during cannulation by means of ultrasonography or ultrasonic Doppler. This should facilitate puncture with a higher rate of successful cannulations and decreased rate of complications related to needle probing during catheterization attempts. Furthermore, by using ultrasonography central venous catheters can be located in the vessels. The picture quality of various central venous catheters currently used in anesthesia and intensive care does not show any noticeable difference.     

超声实时引导与传统体表标志定位颈内静脉插管术的比较

目的比较超声实时引导和传统体表标志定位两种颈内静脉插管方法的成功率及穿刺并发症的发生率。方法采用双盲1：1分层随机对照临床试验，纳入2006年2月至2007年1月本院肾内科120例需建立颈内静脉通路、用于输液或血液透析的患者，随机分为超声引导组与体表定位组，每组60例。结果超声引导组颈内静脉插管全部成功，体表定位组成功53例，占88．3％，（P=0．006），两种方法首次插管成功率分别为95．0％和76．7％（P=0．004）。体表定位组共发生穿刺并发症10例，超声引导组无相关穿刺并发症发生。结论超声实时引导颈内静脉插管术安全有效。     

Real-time ultrasound and endocavitary electrocardiography for venous catheter placement

The authors report on their experience with internal jugular vein catheterization with temporary and tunnelled cuffed hemodialysis catheters in 527 patients from 1991 to 2001, using ultrasound guidance and monitoring of catheter placement by endocavitary electrocardiography. The incidence of successful puncture and cannulation using ultrasound was 99.62%. The majority of patients had catheters inserted on the first pass (93%) and fewer attempts were required (range, 2 to 5). In the first year of the procedure in 1991, we observed two cases of accidental puncture of the carotid artery because of an error in ultrasound localization of the neck vessel. Arrhythmias were not observed during this procedure. Right atrial electrocardiography was successful on 504 occasions (96.83%), and correct catheter placement was confirmed by plain chest-X-ray in the first 100 patients. The results confirm that real-time ultrasound guidance for catheter insertion is superior to tradi-tional techniques relying on anatomic landmarks and should be adopted as the standard of care. Ultrasound guidance and EC-ECG improves both the success and the safety of internal jugular catheter insertion. The authors propose that EC-ECG be validated as a technique in compliance with recent Food and Drug Ad-ministration guidelines regarding the location of central venous catheter tips.     

Zentrale Venenkatheter bei Neugeborenen, Säuglingen und Kindern

In neonates, infants and young children central venous catheters are of vital importance during surgery as well as postoperative care. The benefit of ultrasonography seems to be very important for vascular access of the internal jugular (IJV), subclavian (SCV), femoral and even peripheral veins. Ultrasound-guided cannulation of the IJV increases the success rate, reduces the time to the successful puncture and decreases the inadvertent puncture of the carotid artery in children in comparison to the landmark-guided technique. Due to compression of the vessel by the approaching needle in neonates transfixing the vein and aspirating blood on withdrawal of the needle may be the preferred technique. The lack of space may prevent ultrasound-guided puncture of the SCV in very low birth weight infants. However, the location of the vein and its patency should always be determined via ultrasound prior to cannulation. After catheterization of the SCV the homolateral IJV is screened by the use of ultrasound to detect wrong guide wire migration. A clear and rapid visualization of visceral pleura movement against the parietal pleura during respiration via ultrasound indicates the absence of pneumothorax after cannulation. In the case of haemodynamic instability, ultrasound should be used to exclude pericardial effusion.     

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.     

Internal jugular vein catheterization in infants undergoing cardiovascular surgery: an analysis of the factors influencing successful catheterization.

Central venous catheterization for pressure monitoring and drug administration is often important in the anesthetic management of infants undergoing cardiovascular surgery. We examined the effects of patient age, weight, and central venous pressure and the experience of the anesthesiologist on the rate of successful catheterization and catheterization time of the internal jugular vein (IJV) in a prospective study. We studied 106 infants undergoing IJV catheterization for cardiovascular surgery over a 7-mo period at our institution. We catheterized the IJV by the high approach. The direct venipuncture or the Seldinger method was used according to the patient's weight. Overall successful catheterization rate was 97.2%, and the average catheterization time was 353 +/- 21 s (mean +/- SEM). Complications included arterial puncture in 12 cases (11.3%), hematoma formation in four cases (3.8%), and catheter malposition in two cases (1.9%), but pneumothorax was not observed. When a patient was younger than 3 mo or weighed less than 4.0 kg, successful catheterization rate decreased significantly to 81.3% and 78.6%, respectively. Catheterization time was inversely correlated with both age and weight, whereas central venous pressure did not affect either successful catheterization rate or catheterization time. We were unable to demonstrate that the experience of the anesthesiologist plays a significant role in the success or complication of the catheterization procedure. Our results indicate that IJV catheterization by the high approach is a reliable and useful technique in infants, and that the weight and age of the patient significantly influence the rate of successful catheterization.     

A randomized controlled clinical trial of real-time needle-guided ultrasound for internal jugular venous cannulation in a large university anesthesia department

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate needle-guided ultrasound for internal jugular venous cannulation in a large university anesthesia department, to determine cumulative cannulation success by method, to determine first-pass cannulation success by method and operator, and to determine arterial puncture by method and operator. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, observational, and randomized. Blinding was not possible. Cohort size was calculated for 80% power to detect a technique difference, with significance defined as p < 0.05. SETTING: Operating rooms of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. PARTICIPANTS: Elective surgical patients requiring internal jugular venous cannulation. INTERVENTIONS: Cannulation of the internal jugular vein occurred by needle-guided ultrasound (NGU) or by ultrasound without a needle guide. MAIN RESULTS: Four hundred thirty-four procedures were studied in 429 patients. NGU significantly enhances cannulation success after first (68.9%-80.9%, p = 0.0054) and second (80.0%-93.1%, p = 0.0001) needle passes. Cumulative cannulation success by the seventh needle pass is 100%, regardless of technique. The needle-guide specifically improves first-pass success in the junior operator (65.6%-79.8%, p = 0.0144). Arterial puncture averages 4.2%, regardless of technique (p > 0.05) or operator (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although the needle guide facilitates prompt cannulation with ultrasound in the novice operator, it offers no additional protection against arterial puncture. This may be because of a lack of control of needle depth rather than needle direction. A possible solution may be biplanar ultrasound for central venous cannulation.     

Which is more useful for central venous catheterization? A comparison between a 22 gauge metal needle (Argyle) and a 24 gauge plastic cannula with a metal needle (Insyte)

BACKGROUND: Central venous catheterization is commonly performed by puncturing the internal jugular vein. However, placement of central venous catheters is not without risk. We compared the Argyle and the Insyte in terms of usefulness and incidence of complications during central venous catheterization. METHODS: Twenty adult patients for cardiac operation were randomly allocated into two groups; 10 patients in the Argyle group (Group A) and 10 patients in the Insyte group (Group B). RESULTS: In both groups, no kinking or stucking of the guide wire occurred during insertion. No accidental puncture of the carotid artery occurred in Group B, while it occurred in one case in Group A. The time required for insertion of the guide wire was not significantly different between the two groups, though it tended to be shorter in Group B than in Group A (19.3 +/- 14.6 sec vs 34.6 +/- 34.0 sec). On ultrasonography, the Argyle was observed to compress the internal jugular vein and to be prone to penetrate both anterior and posterior walls. CONCLUSIONS: Using the Argyle makes it a little more difficult to place the needle in the appropriate venous lumen. We conclude that central venous catheterization with the Insyte was quicker and safer than with the Argyle.     

Ultrasound-guided subclavian vein cannulation in infants: supraclavicular approach

Background: Ultrasound (US) guidance techniques are reported to be safe for internal jugular vein catheterization, although anatomic conditions are not favorable for this approach in infants. The subclavian vein (SCV) seems to be a better site for long‐term central venous catheterization in children, with a supraclavicular approach to avoid compression of the central venous catheter between the clavicle and the first rib (‘pinch‐off’ syndrome). We describe a new US‐guided approach for supraclavicular SCV cannulation in infants. Methods: The principle of this technique is to place the US probe at the supraclavicular level to obtain a longitudinal view of the SCV, and to gain access to the vein with a total ultrasonic control (in‐plane puncture) via a supraclavicular approach known since 1965, but rarely used in blind puncture. The results of 37 US‐guided SCV cannulations in infants weighing <10 kg are reported. Results: Forty–two infants were enrolled in this observational study, and five infants with bad visualization of SCV were excluded. The procedure duration was <5 min in all cases except one. The success rate at the first attempt was 81% and 100% after two attempts. No major complications were reported. Conclusions: This US‐guided supraclavicular approach for SCV puncture is a new possibility for central venous catheterization in small infants, offering all the advantages of SCV cannulation without the risk of ‘pinch‐off’ syndrome. This technique seems valuable for children and infants and quite easy to apply for physicians trained to US guidance punctures.     

Audio-Doppler guidance using a small-caliber Doppler probe for internal jugular venous puncture for central venous catheterization in infants and children

BACKGROUND: We evaluated an audio-Doppler with a small-caliber probe as a guide for central venous cannulation (CVC) via the internal jugular vein (IJV) in infants and children. METHODS: The right IJV was located with a small-caliber (2.0 mm in diameter) audio-Doppler probe using 10 MHz ultrasound. The probe was placed on the neck about the level of sixth cervical vertebra and was moved until the crisp pulsatile sound of the carotid artery was identified. Then the probe was moved laterally to identify the low-pitched venous hum of the right IJV. After marking the puncture site on the skin, a sterile cannulation procedure was performed. Ultimate success rate, cannulation time < 10 min, successful cannulation within three punctures, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Ultimate success rate was 65.6% (42/64) in infants (< 12 m), and 94.7% (72/76) in children (12 m or older). Cannulation time < 10 min was 48.4% in infants, and 85.5% in children. Successful cannulation within three punctures was 45.3% in infants and 82.8% in children. Three carotid arterial punctures occurred. CONCLUSIONS: We were not able to demonstrate absolute superiority of the results utilizing this device over the reported results of traditional landmark techniques for CVC via the right IJV. However, this device may contribute to reducing complications and be of value in teaching residents where to insert a needle for an internal jugular puncture.