Displacement of catheters inserted through internal jugular veins with neck flexion and extension

Abstract

Displacement of central venous catheters inserted through internal jugular veins in adult man was estimated on chest x-rays in six patients and measured in six corpses. The downward displacement of the catheter tips with maximum neck flexion varied between 1.0 and 2.0 cm in patients, and between 1.0 and 2.5 cm in corpses. The upward displacement with maximum neck extension varied between 0.5 to 1.0 cm in patients and 0.5 to 1.5 cm in corpses. The total displacement varied between 1.5 to 3.0 cm in patients, and 1.5 to 4.0 cm in corpses. The geater displacement in corpses might be explained by detachment of sternocleidomastoid muscles, and by resection of the sternum and anterior ribs, performed for access to the heart and superior vena cava. There was no apparent correlation between the side and site of the vein puncture, body length, sternocleidomastoid length, distances from the punction sites to suprasternal notch, and values of the displacements of the catheter tips in any group. To avoid rhythm disturbances and perforation of the heart (possible complications of the catheter displacement), the necessity of locating central venous catheter tips 3.0 to 4.0 cm above the superior vena cava-right atrial junction, and firm fixation of the catheter is stressed.