Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachiocephalic vein cannulation versus internal jugular vein cannulation in young children

Abstract

Background Ultrasound (US) guided supraclavicular approach of brachiocephalic vein (BCV) cannulation was recently described in children. Aim The primary outcome was to evaluate which is better, US-guided BCV cannulation or internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation. The secondary outcome was to examine possible complications. Patients and methods According to the site of central line cannulation, 80 children undergoing open cardiac surgery were classified into group I (US-guided supraclavicular BCV cannulation) and group II (US-guided IJV cannulation). The cannulation time (min), first-attempt success rate, overall success rate, number of cannulation attempt, and possible complications (such as artery puncture, difficulty of threading the wire, catheter malposition, multiple puncture, and pneumothorax) were recorded. Results The cannulation time (min) was significantly shorter in group I than group II, and first-attempt success rate was significantly higher in group I than group II. The number of cannulation attempt was significantly higher in group II than group I, and the overall success rate was slightly higher in group I than group II, with no significant difference. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding complications. Conclusion US-guided supraclavicular BCV cannulation was easier with higher success rate and shorter cannulation time with slightly less complications compared with IJV cannulation.