Optimal transducer levels for central venous pressure and pulmonary artery occlusion pressure monitoring in supine and prone positions in pediatric patients

Abstract

Background: This study was performed to investigate optimal central venous pressure (CVP) or pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) transducer levels in supine and prone positions in pediatric patients. Methods: Chest tomography images of 213 children aged ≤ 10 years were reviewed. Distances from the back to the uppermost blood level of both atria and their ratios to the largest anteroposterior (AP) diameter of the thorax were calculated for the supine position. For the prone position, same distances and ratios were calculated from the anterior chest. Subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate if there were significant differences in each ratio according to age. Results: In the supine position, the ratio of the uppermost blood level of the right atrium (RA) and left atrium (LA) to the largest AP diameter of the thorax was 80-85% and 60-65%, respectively. The ratio of the most posterior blood level of the RA and LA to largest AP diameter of thorax was 45-50% and 55-60%, respectively, from the anterior chest in the prone position. Subgroup differences in each ratio were within the range of 5%. Conclusions: In pediatric patients, CVP and PAOP transducers should be differently placed according to supine and prone positions. The influence of age was minimal on the level of each transducer. Keywords: Central venous pressure; Position; Transducer