Subclavian vein catheterization: Comparative evaluation of supraclavicular versus infraclavicular approach in oncology patients

Abstract

The subclavian vein is the preferred site for central venous catheter insertion because of its several advantages. Infraclavicular is the commonly used approach while supraclavicular is less popular approach for catheterizing the subclavian vein. The aim of the study was to compare supraclavicular and infraclavicular approach of subclavian vein catheterization in terms of number of attempts, success rate, access time for catheterization and to record the complications associated with the procedure. In this study, 120 patients of inclusion criteria were placed either in group supraclavicular (SC) or group infraclavicular (IC) for subclavian vein catheterization using modified Seldinger technique under general or local anaesthesia.Chi square test was used to compare success rate and independent T test for access time of catheterization between two groups. First attempt success rate in group SC was 81.66% and in group IC was 66.66%. But overall success rate was 93.33% in group SC, whereas it was 90% in group IC. This was not statistically significant with p value of 0.5. Time taken for successful catheterization was 252.98 ± 76.27 seconds in group SC and 314.98 ± 121.28 seconds in group IC. This was statistically significant with p value of 0.001.Right brachiocephalic vein tear was the only complication in entire study which occurred in group IC. Subclavian vein catheterization via supraclavicular approach was a faster approach than infraclavicular, whereas both were comparable in terms of success rate.