Persistent left-sided superior vena cava diagnosed after flow-directed pulmonary artery catheterization; report of a case]

We describe a case of persistent left-sided superior vena cava discovered after insertion of a pulmonary artery (PA) catheter. The diagnosis was suggested by chest X-ray after PA catheter placement and was subsequently confirmed by an echocardiograph. A 68-year-old man was admitted to our ICU because of septic shock induced by MRSA enterocolitis. In order to monitor the hemodynamic state of the patient, a PA catheter was inserted through the left subclavian vein after placement of a central venous and flexible double lumen catheters through the right internal jugular and subclavian veins, respectively. A chest X-ray showed the PA catheter passing along the left border of the heart. An echocardiograph showed the PA catheter passing through the coronary sinus into the pulmonary artery. Anesthesiologists and intensivists should be aware of the occurrence of left-sided superior vena cava in order not to mistake catheters placed in it as being in the arterial circulation or malpositioned outside of the venous circulation.     

Transthoracic cuffed hemodialysis catheters: a method for difficult hemodialysis access

BACKGROUND: Recurrent vascular access failure is a major cause of morbidity in patients receiving long-term hemodialysis. Central venous catheters are often necessary for dialysis, and easily accessed vessels (ie, the internal jugular vein and subclavian vein) frequently occlude because of repeated cannulation. When standard access sites occlude, unconventional access methods become necessary. We report a technique of placing hemodialysis catheters directly into the superior vena cava (SVC). METHODS: Between January 2002 and December 2004, 22 patients with documented bilateral jugular and subclavian vein occlusion underwent transthoracic SVC permanent catheter placement. Femoral vein access was obtained, and a sheath was placed. Under fluoroscopic guidance, a diagnostic catheter was then inserted into the SVC, and a venogram was obtained. By using the fluoroscopic image as a reference guide, supraclavicular access directly into the SVC was performed with lateral and anteroposterior views to better localize the SVC. Once venous blood was obtained, a hydrophilic wire was passed into the inferior vena cava. A 5F sheath was then placed, and, with the use of an exchange catheter, the wire was switched for a stiffer wire. The hemodialysis catheter was then placed in the standard fashion over this wire. RESULTS: In a 24-month period, 22 patients underwent transthoracic permanent catheter placement. All patients had the permanent catheters successfully inserted. Two major complications occurred. One patient experienced a pneumothorax, and another patient experienced a hemothorax. Both patients were successfully treated with chest tube decompression. All permanent catheters functioned immediately with a range of 1 to 7 months. CONCLUSIONS: Transthoracic permanent catheter placement is an appropriate alternative for patients in whom traditional venous access sites are no longer available.     

Double superior vena cava: presentation of two cases and review of the literature

Introduction: Various anomalies in the development of the great thoracic veins of the embryo can be incidentally discovered in the normal adult. Duplication of superior vena cava (SVC) is a rare abnormality, but the most common thoracic venous congenital anomaly.

Case reports-methods: We present two cases in the intensive care unit of our hospital, of asymptomatic patients who underwent an uneventful central line placement in the left subclavian vein. The track of the catheter, as shown in the X-ray, was misplaced to the left of the aorta and further investigation with computed tomography angiography confirmed a persistent left SVC. In both cases the vein drained into the coronary sinus and then to the right atrium. In the second case the echocardiography revealed a dilated coronary sinus.

Conclusions: Double SVC can be fortuitously discovered during catheter insertion, thoracic or cardiac imaging and surgery. In most cases it drains into the right atrium, through the coronary sinus. This entity is significant to the physician because of its importance in differential diagnosis as a cause of a widened mediastinum, as well as any difficulty that can occur in the placement of a central venous catheter or a pace maker.     

Malposition of a central venous catheter in a patient with severe chest trauma

The placement of a central venous catheter is associated with specific risks including malposition of the catheter. We report the case of a 32 year old man who suffered from a severe thoracic trauma including haematopneumothorax on his left side. In the emergency room a large-bore central venous catheter was placed in the left subclavian vein, after blood had been aspirated successfully. Later, the haemodynamic state of the patient deteriorated, so that cardiopulmonary resuscitation had to be started. While great amounts of blood transfusions were applied via the catheter using a rapid transfusion device, the blood loss over the left sided chest tube increased rapidly. Emergency thoracotomy was performed, revealing that the catheter was not in intravenous position, but in intrapleural malposition. Haematothorax was caused by a laceration of the upper lobe of the left lung with severe bleeding from great vessels. This case shows that successful aspiration of blood does not exclude malposition of a central venous catheter. Correct position of the catheter must be verified using appropriate methods including chest X-ray, intracardiac ECG tracing or display of the central venous pressure curve on a monitor.     

Late development of hydrothorax induced by a central venous catheter: Report of a case

We report herein the case of a 47-year-old woman who suffered a hydrothorax induced by a central venous catheter (CVC) which had been placed to facilitate total parenteral nutrition following a left sleeve pneumonectomy for lung cancer. The CVC was inserted into the superior vena cava (SVC) through the left subclavian vein after the operation; however, the tip inadvertently turned upward and came in contact with the lateral wall of the SVC. The patient suddenly developed dyspnea due to a right-sided hydrothorax 47 days after the insertion of the catheter. Indocyamine green administered through the catheter was thereafter found in the pleural fluid. The continuous mechanical force of the catheter tip against the SVC wall was thus considered to be the cause of this life-threatening delayed hydrothorax.     

Intrathoracic pulmonary artery catheter allocation in the background of left atrial dilatation

AIM: The aim of the study was to find out whether dilatation of the left atrium (LA) influences the intra-thoracic distribution of thermodilution pulmonary artery (TPA) catheter in either branch of pulmonary artery and compare the measured cardiac output. METHODS: In this prospective study of 132 consecutive patients in a university hospital setting, LA size and ejection fraction was assessed by echocardiography, in the preoperative period. In 66 patients posted for coronary artery bypass grafting (Group 1), a standard anaesthesia regimen was used and TPA catheter was floated through the right internal jugular. In another 66 patients of long-standing mitral stenosis for mitral valve repair/replacement (Group 2), TPA catheters were similarly floated. Intrathoracic placement of the tip of the TPA catheter into the right or left pulmonary artery (PA) was confirmed on chest X-ray. TPA catheter length to its wedging, intra-arterial pressure, heart rate, PA pressure, pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) and cardiac output by thermodilution technique were noted. RESULTS: Leftwards TPA catheter placement was significantly (p<0.001) more frequent (71%) in mitral stenosis patients (group 2) than the CABG (group 1), (18%). On regrouping the observations of rightwards placed TPA (Group R) and leftwards placed TPA (Group L), we observed that large LA (> or = 25 mm3/m2) body surface area (BSA) and high PAWP (> or = 20 mmHg) was associated with significantly (p<0.001) higher incidence of leftwards TPA catheters. Positive predictive value of both the factors in combination was significantly higher (96%) than individual factors large LA (81%) and high PAWP (88%). CONCLUSION: In long standing mitral stenosis, left atrium enlargement, with high PAWP and the hypokinesia of left atrium (atrial fibrillation) likely to influence the angulation of left PA with main PA and so the predominant entry of TPA catheter tip in left PA.     

Central venous catheter placement using the ECG-guided cavafix-certodyn SD catheter

Study Objective: To evaluate the clinical use of a new ECG-guided central venous catheter with regard to positioning in the superior vena caves (SVC).

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Operating rooms of a university hospital and a general hospital.

Patients: 89 elective and emergency adult surgical patients requiring central venous catheterization perioperatively.

Interventions: We performed ECG-guided placement of the central venous catheter from several insertion sites. After we observed an intra-atrial p-wave (p-atriale), the catheter was withdrawn 3 cm back into the SVC. Postoperative anterior-posterior chest radiographs were performed for verification of tip localization.

Measurements and Main Results: In all 81 patients who exhibited a p-atriale that reverted to a normal-size p-wave (p-SVC) after withdrawal of the catheter 3 cm, the tip was located in the SVC or the SVC-right atrial junction on the chest radiograph. In 7 of the 8 cases without a p-atriale, the catheter tip was shown to be located at an incorrect position on the chest radiograph. The size of the p-atriale was always at least twice that of the p-SVC.

Conclusions: Use of this wire-conducted intravascularECG signal is a reliable tool for positioning the central venous catheter via various insertion sites. The technique proved to be an inexpensive, easy, and clear method. When a p-atriale is seen, uncomplicated insertions do not require radiologic guidance to control catheter tip position.     

Perforation of the superior vena cava and hemothorax caused by insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter

A 70-year-old woman with aortic regurgitation was scheduled for aortic valve replacement. After induction of anesthesia resistance was encountered when attempting to remove the guide wire with a sheath dilator prior to insertion of a pulmonary artery (PA) catheter through the right internal jugular vein. Ten hours after catheter insertion, chest X-ray examination in ICU showed poorly delineated right lung field, and hemothorax was suspected, as a large amount of fluid was also seen draining from the chest drain tube. Twenty two hours after catheter insertion, we opened her chest and found that the superior vena cava (SVC) had been perforated. After surgical closure of the hole on the SVC, the hemodynamics because stabilized and active bleeding was controlled. The patient was subsequently discharged from the hospital without any further complications. This perforation was thought to be caused by carelessness during insertion of the PA catheter. To prevent serious complications, such as perforation of the great vessels or heart by a catheter, the results of the present case suggest that careful attention is required during catheterization, especially when resistance is encountered.     

Central venous catheter-induced delayed hydrothorax via progressive erosion of central venous wall

Central venous catheter (CVC)-induced hydrothorax is a delayed complication after the placement of an indwelling subclavian or internal jugular central venous catheter. The catheter tips may cause long-lasting mechanical damages that lead to a slow erosion of the wall of the superior vena cava (SVC), thereby resulting in hydrothorax. The damage may stem from the catheter tips being positioned inappropriately or from the relocation of the catheter tip that was initially ideally positioned. We describe an 80-year-old woman with CVC-induced hydrothorax. She presented with spinal subdural hematoma and preoperatively underwent a multiple-lumen CVC insertion through her left subclavian vein. Her recovery course was uneventful after surgical hematoma removal and spinal cord decompression. However, thirty hours after the CVC placement, the patient began to suffer from an increasing dyspnea. The chest X-ray showed right-sided, massive pleural effusion and a widened mediastinum, requiring the removal of the CVC and the drainage of the pleural fluid. After these procedures, the respiratory status improved rapidly. The present case report suggests that the complication of a hydrothorax may occur after a patient's position changes, and it usually occurs in cases where the catheter tip was initially placed in the ideal position. Operators responsible for CVC placement have to be aware of this delayed complication and have the catheter tips remain in a consistently appropriate position.     

A noninvasive estimation of mixed venous oxygen saturation using near-infrared spectroscopy by cerebral oximetry in pediatric cardiac surgery patients

BACKGROUND: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive optical monitor of regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2). The aim of this study was to validate the use of NIRS by cerebral oximetry in estimating invasively measured mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) in pediatric postoperative cardiac surgery patients. METHODS: Twenty patients were enrolled following cardiac surgery with intraoperative placement of a pulmonary artery (PA) or superior vena cava (SVC) catheter. Five patients underwent complete biventricular repair--complete atrioventricular canal (n=3) and other (n=2). Fifteen patients with functional single ventricle underwent palliative procedures--bidirectional Glenn (n=11) and Fontan (n=4). Cerebral rSO2 was monitored via NIRS (INVOS 5100) during cardiac surgery and 6 h postoperatively. SvO2 was measured from blood samples obtained via an indwelling PA or SVC catheter and simultaneously correlated with rSO2 by NIRS at five time periods: in the operating room after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass, after sternal closure, and in the CICU at 2, 4, and 6 h after admission. RESULTS: Each patient had five measurements (total=100 comparisons). SvO2 obtained via an indwelling PA or SVC catheter for all patients correlated with rSO2 obtained via NIRS: Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.67 (P<0.0001) and linear regression of r2=0.45 (P<0.0001). Separate linear regression of the complete biventricular repairs demonstrated an r=0.71, r2=0.50 (P<0.0001). Bland-Altman analysis showed a bias of +3.3% with a precision of 16.6% for rSO2 as a predictor of SvO2 for all patients. Cerebral rSO2 was a more accurate predictor of SvO2 in the biventricular repair patients (bias -0.3, precision 11.8%), compared with the bidirectional Glenn and Fontan patients. CONCLUSIONS: Regional cerebral oximetry via NIRS correlates with SvO2 obtained via invasive monitoring. However, the wide limits of agreement suggest that it may not be possible to predict absolute values of SvO2 for any given patient based solely on the noninvasive measurement of rSO2. Near-infrared spectroscopy, using the INVOS 5100 cerebral oximeter, could potentially be used to indicate trends in SVO2, but more studies needs to be performed under varying clinical conditions.     

Simple formulas to determine optimal subclavian central venous catheter tip placement in infants and children

Background/Purpose

Optimal central venous catheter (CVC) tip location is necessary to decrease the incidence of complications related to their use. We sought to create a practical method to reliably predict the length of catheter to insert into the subclavian vein during CVC placement in children.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 727 chest radiographs of children who underwent either left or right subclavian CVC placement. We measured the distance from the subclavian entry site to the to the right atrium/superior vena cava (RA/SVC) junction, following the catheter's course. We analyzed the relationship between that length and patient characteristics, including: age, gender, height, weight and body surface area (BSA).

Results

Two derived formulas using the BSA best correlated with the optimal subclavian CVC length. For the left subclavian vein approach, the optimal catheter length was 6.5*BSA + 7 cm, and for the right subclavian vein approach it was 5*BSA + 6. The use of these formulas correlated in CVC tip placement in a clinically proper location in 92.9% of smaller children and in 95.7% of larger children.

Conclusion

The optimal length of central venous catheter to insert into the subclavian vein may be determined through the use of a simple formula using the BSA.     

Transesophageal echocardiographic evaluation of ECG-guided central venous catheter placement

PURPOSE: To facilitate electrocardiography (ECG)-guided central venous catheter placement by observing the shape and size of the P wave at specific locations of a central venous catheter (CVC) tip. METHODS: We evaluated 54 patients for whom central venous catheterization was planned as part of routine care for their elective surgery. The junction of the superior vena cava (SVC) and the right atrium (RA) was defined as the superior border of the crista terminalis by transesophageal echocardiography. The RA ECGs were recorded while withdrawing the CVC into the SVC or advancing it into the RA at 1-cm intervals. Saline was used as an electrical conductor via the distal lumen of the CVC. RESULTS: The tallest peaked and biphasic P waves [median (interquartile range)] were observed when the CVC tip was located at positions 0.0 cm (-1.0 to 0.0) and -4.0 cm (-5.0 to -3.0) below the SVC/RA junction, respectively. The P wave returned to a normal shape and size at 4.0 cm (3.0 to 4.0) above the SVC/RA junction. Overshoot P waves were observed at - 4.0 cm (-5.0 to -3.0) below the SVC/RA junction in 22 patients, when the CVC tip appeared to be contacting or in close proximity to the RA wall. CONCLUSIONS: During ECG-guided central venous catheterization, the tallest peaked P wave may be used to place the CVC tip at the SVC/RA junction, the normally-shaped P wave identifies the mid to upper SVC, and biphasic P waves identify RA localization.     

Management of a small bowel transplant with complicated central venous access in a patient with asymptomatic superior and inferior vena cava obstruction

During the past few years, small bowel transplantation (SBT) has become a realistic alternative for patients with irreversible intestinal failure who have or will develop severe complications from total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Transplantation can be associated with large fluid shifts and massive blood loss necessitating rapid infusions of large quantities of crystalloid and/or blood products. Invasive monitoring and large-bore venous access are necessary in order to manage these patients intraoperatively. Because patients with irreversible intestinal failure are often managed with total parenteral nutrition via a central venous catheter, thrombotic intraluminal obstruction of major vessels may develop over time. Additionally, this may lead to superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome as well as challenging problems with vascular access. We present a 34-year-old woman with a past medical history for long-standing Crohn's disease with multiple small bowel resections and short gut syndrome who presented for an SBT. The patient had a long history of TPN use, complicated by SVC syndrome and inferior vena cava (IVC) obstruction. She was presently asymptomatic from her SVC obstruction. Central venous access was obtained by an interventional radiologist. A 7-French double-lumen Hickman minicatheter was placed in the left femoral vein with the tip of the catheter positioned just distal to the IVC narrowing. A left radial 20-gauge arterial line was placed for hemodynamic monitoring and frequent blood sampling. The patient's left and right dorsal-saphenous veins were cannulated with 16-guage catheters and adequate flow was observed. Lower extremity pressure was measured via the Hickman catheter in the left femoral vein. A multiplane transesophageal echo was used to assess ventricular volume. The options and intraoperative management of such patients are discussed.     

Triple reconstruction of pulmonary artery, superior vena cava and bronchus for lung cancer

We report on a case of a complete resection for bronchogenic carcinoma necessitating right upper sleeve lobectomy with prosthetic replacement of right pulmonary artery (PA) and superior vena cava (SVC). A 74-year-old male with squamous cell carcinoma had a tumor which extended to the right main bronchus, right PA and SVC. After reconstruction of the SVC with a ringed polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft between the left brachiocephalic vein (BCV) and right atrial auricle, the tumor was completely resected en bloc. Bronchial anastomosis followed by the prosthetic reconstructions of PA and SVC between the right BCV and the origin of SVC were performed. Pathological staging was t4n2m0 (stage IIIB). The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient discharged from the hospital on the 29th postoperative day. He has been doing well without recurrence and keeping a good graft patency for more than 3 years.     

Accurate central venous port-A catheter placement: intravenous electrocardiography and surface landmark techniques compared by using transesophageal echocardiography

Using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to locate the tip of central venous catheters inserted via the right subclavian vein, we compared IV electrocardiography (IV-ECG)-guided catheter tip placement with the conventional surface landmark technique. Sixty patients were randomly assigned into two groups. In Group E, the IV-ECG signal was conducted along an NaHCO(3)-filled catheter to facilitate catheter placement. In Group S, surface landmarks on the chest wall were used to determine the appropriate catheter length. The goal was to visualize the catheter tip with TEE at the superior edge of the crista terminalis, which is the junction of the superior vena cava (SVC) and right atrium (RA). The catheter tip position was considered to be satisfactory, as the tip was within 1.0 cm of the upper crista terminalis edge. All 30 Group E patients had satisfactory catheter tip placement when the ECG P wave was at its maximum. In contrast, 16 of the 30 patients in Group S had satisfactory tip positions (P < 0.001). All catheters were repositioned under TEE guidance to adjust the tip to the SVC-RA junction. After the catheter tips were confirmed to be located at the SVC-RA junction, the catheter tips were still visualized in the mid portion of RA in 12 of 60 patients on supine chest radiographs. We concluded that IV-ECG guidance to position a catheter resulted in satisfactory catheter tip placement that is in accordance with TEE views. Catheter placement at the SVC-RA junction with the surface landmark technique was unreliable. IMPLICATIONS: Intravenous electrocardiography guidance to position catheters obtains a satisfactory catheter tip placement that is in accordance with transesophageal echocardiography views. The surface landmark technique does not result in reliable placement at the superior vena cava-right atrium junction.     

Clinical utility of a position-monitoring catheter in the pulmonary artery

Unsuspected distal migration of the tip of the pulmonary artery catheter may cause life-threatening complications. We prospectively evaluated the clinical utility of the PA Watch Catheter in 25 patients after cardiac surgery by hourly measurements of pulmonary artery (distal lumen), right ventricular (middle lumen), and central venous (proximal lumen) pressures. The catheter was considered to be in the proper position when the middle lumen port, located 10 cm from the tip, transmitted a right ventricular pressure waveform. Satisfactory initial catheter placement was obtained in 24 of 25 patients. During the 28.4 +/- 1.8 h of postoperative monitoring, clinically unsuspected distal catheter migration, indicated by the presence of a pulmonary artery pressure waveform in the middle lumen port, occurred in 12 of the 25 patients (48%). In these patients, 20 episodes occurred and required catheter withdrawal distances of 1.8 +/- 0.3 cm (range 1-6 cm). The PA Watch Catheter proved to be a useful indicator of unsuspected distal catheter migration in the postoperative period. The PA Watch Catheter allows assessment of catheter tip placement in the proximal pulmonary artery and may decrease catheter-induced complications.     

Applied anatomy of the superior vena cava-the carina as a landmark to guide central venous catheter placement

Background. Cardiac tamponade is a serious complication of centralvenous catheter (CVC) insertion. Current guidelines stronglyadvise that the CVC tip should be located in the superior venacava (SVC) and outside the pericardial sac. This may be difficultto verify as the exact location of the pericardium cannot beseen on a normal chest x-ray. The carina is an alternative radiographicmarker for correct CVC placement, suggested on the basis ofstudies of embalmed cadavers. Methods. We set out to confirm this radiographic landmark in39 fresh cadavers (age 58.4 (3.4) (mean and SE) yr) and to comparethe results with those from ethanol–formalin-fixed cadavers. Results. We found that the carina was 0.8 (0.05) cm above thepericardial sac as it transverses the SVC. In no case was thecarina inferior to the pericardial reflection and our studyconfirmed the previous findings. All the measured distanceswere significantly greater in fresh cadavers. Conclusions. We confirm that the carina is a reliable, simpleanatomical landmark that can be identified in vivo for the correctplacement of CVCs outside the boundaries of the pericardialsac. Br J Anaesth 2004; 92: 75–7     

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage to the high superior vena cava; repair by direct anastomosis between the superior vena cava and the right atrial appendage; report of a case

A 10-year-old boy with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the high superior vena cava (SVC) underwent surgical repair by Williams method. The SVC was divided above the orifice of the anomalous pulmonary vein. The proximal end of the SVC was closed and the distal end of the SVC was anastomosed to the right atrial appendage (RAA). The anomalous pulmonary vein was rerouted to the left atrium via the SVC and the surgically enlarged central type atrial septal defect (ASD). The postoperative course was uneventful except transient sinus bradycardia and catheter study showed no stenosis of the SVC and the RAA.     

Predicting the optimal depth of left‐sided central venous catheters in children

The aim of this study was to predict the optimal depth for insertion of a left‐sided central venous catheter in children. Using 3D chest computed tomography angiography, we measured the distance from a point where the internal jugular vein is at the superior border of the clavicle, and from a point where the subclavian vein is inferior to the anterior border of the clavicle, to the junction of the superior vena cava and the right atrium in 257 children. Linear regression analysis revealed that the distances correlated with age, weight and height. Simple formulae for the depth of a central venous catheter via the left internal jugular vein (0.07 × height (cm)) and the left subclavian vein (0.08 × height (cm)) were developed to predict placement of the central venous catheter tip at the junction of the superior vena cava with the right atrium. Using these fomulae, the proportion of catheter tips predicted to be correctly located was 98.5% (95% CI 96.8–100%) and 94.0% (95% CI 90.8–97.3%), respectively.     

A modified Fontan operation in the presence of a supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection

We report a case of 2-year-old girl with asplenia syndrome who successfully underwent modified Fontan procedure and concomitant repair of supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). The preoperative diagnosis included a common atrioventricular canal (type C), a double outlet right ventricle, a common atrium, common atrioventricular valve regurgitation, pulmonary stenosis, and a bilateral superior vena cava (SVC). Cardiac catheterization revealed a Qp/Qs of 1.3, mean PA pressure of 16 mmHg and an Rp of 1.3. The TAPVC drained to left SVC (LSVC) at a position proximal to the hemiazygos vein with an ostium of 5 mm in diameter. The LSVC was divided distal to its connection to the common pulmonary vein (CPV). The TAPVC ostium was cut back into the CPV, then it was anastmosed with posterior aspect of the atrial wall in an effort to provide a wide anastomosis. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged from hospital on the 35th postoperative day.