Internal Jugular Vein Approach Research Articles

Abstract 18974: Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement in a Symptomatic Bioprosthetic Tricuspid Stenosis Patient With Carcinoid Heart Disease: A Case Report

Background: Patients with carcinoid heart disease are prone to the development of mild to severe tricuspid regurgitation with or without accompanying tricuspid stenosis. We present an interesting case of a patient with bioprosthetic tricuspid valve stenosis secondary to carcinoid heart disease undergoing transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR). Case history: The patient is a 64-year-old female with metastatic carcinoid syndrome and subsequent tricuspid valve replacement with 25 mm Magna ease bovine pericardial valve. The surgery was complicated by carcinoid crisis, pneumothorax, and complete heart block. She presented with worsening shortness of breath with exertion. Echocardiography revealed severe tricuspid stenosis associated with a severely dilated right atrium, moderate pulmonary stenosis. Transesophageal echocardiography confirmed carcinoid degeneration of the bioprosthetic tricuspid valve. CT chest and abdomen with contrast showed consistent findings of severe tricuspid stenosis, metastatic carcinoid tumor with new foci in liver, lungs. Ischemic evaluation with angiography revealed normal coronaries. Decision making: The patient was evaluated by the heart team and was considered to be a prohibitive risk patient for redo surgery. We then evaluated her suitability for transcatheter valve replacement, and the patient was felt suitable for undergoing valve-in-valve transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement via the right internal jugular vein approach because of the coaxial alignment of the valve through this route. The patient successfully underwent this procedure with a 26 mm balloon-expandable valve without any complications and is currently in NYHA class I functional status. Conclusion: Carcinoid syndrome can affect bioprosthetic tricuspid valves and transcatheter valve replacement may be advantageous in replacing the affected bioprosthetic valves by reducing morbidity and mortality.

Low Posterior Internal Jugular Vein Approach for Tunnelled Haemodialysis Catheter Insertion: A Report on Outcomes at a Single Centre.

The impact of technical differences in cannulation technique for tunnelled haemodialysis catheter insertion is undetermined. We aimed to assess clinical outcomes of the low posterior approach for internal jugular vein tunnelled catheter placement. A retrospective audit was undertaken on consecutive tunnelled catheter procedures performed at a single centre between January 2016 and June 2022. Only catheters specifically placed with a low posterior internal jugular approach were included. The study's primary outcome was 12-month catheter survival, evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve and log-rank test. Secondary outcomes included catheter performance and procedure-related complications. During the study period, 391 tunnelled internal jugular haemodialysis catheters were inserted in 272 patients using the low posterior technique. The 12-month primary patency rate was 68%. Catheter insertion was successful in 96% of cases. Peri-procedural complications occurred in 4% of cases, most frequently bleeding. The most common reasons for catheter loss were dysfunction (10%) and bacteraemia (6%). The best predictors of catheter failure were advanced age (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.04) and in-centre dialysis treatment locality (HR 2.04, 95% CI 1.19-3.45). The low posterior approach for internal jugular vein tunnelled catheter insertion is effective and safe. We demonstrated a 12-month catheter survival rate of 68%. Further research comparing the low posterior approach with other internal jugular vein cannulation techniques is warranted.

Total İmplante Venöz Erişim Portlarında İnternal Juguler ve Subklavian Ven Yaklaşımlarının Karşılaştırılması

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review the outcome and complications of totally implantable venous-access ports (TIVAPs) inserted via low internal jugular vein (IJV) approach under ultrasound guidance versus subclavian vein (SCV) approach.304 cancer patients who could be followed up to the time of catheter removal or to the end of the study period were enrolled in the study. 200patients had the placement of TIVAPs via IJV and 104 patients via SCV. Statistical analysis showed that there were no differences with regard to the patient characteristics and to the site of primary malignancy in two groups, while the large majority of the TIVAPs had been inserted in the right side. The average port dwelling time was higher in the IJV group compared to the SCV group, the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). Complications were more frequent in the SCV than in the IJV approach (12 patients vs. 3 patients). Our analysis revealed that TIVAP is a safe and effective route for long-term administration of chemotherapy, and the placement of TIVAPs via the right IJV is associated with a low long-term complication rate.

Leadless pacemaker implantation for pediatric patients through internal jugular vein approach: A case series of under 30 kg

BackgroundWe demonstrate a case series of 8 pediatric patients, all under 30 kg, who had leadless pacemaker implants via the internal jugular vein. MethodsA retrospective review of pediatric leadless pacing placement via the internal jugular vein at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital and UC Davis Medical Center from 2018 through 2021 was performed. Rationales for pacing, demographics of patients, pacing thresholds, and longevity of devices were recorded. ResultsEight internal jugular pacemaker insertions were performed successfully in patients weighing between 10.9 kg and 29 kg. Five patients had Micra implantation via the right internal jugular vein, whereas 3 patients had insertion via the left internal jugular vein. No surgical cut-downs were performed. No venous complications occurred. Up to 3 years of follow-up were noted. ConclusionLeadless pacemaker implantation, via left or right internal jugular veins, is feasible without surgical cutdown in patients <30 kg

524 SAFETY OF HAND-HELD ULTRASOUND GUIDANCE FOR JUGULAR RIGHT HEART CATHETERIZATION IN ANTICOAGULATED PATIENTS: A TERTIARY CARE CENTER RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract Background RHC is currently the gold standard in the assessment of diagnosis, prognostic evaluation, and decision-making of pulmonary hypertension patients. Internal jugular vein (IJV) access is the preferred option among the available vascular access routes in most of pulmonary hypertension centers; furthermore, ultrasound (US) guidance is strongly recommended for the IJV access (IA) since it reduces the number of access complications. Many patients requiring RHC are on long-term oral anticoagulant therapy. Continuation of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) has been shown to be safe in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and cardiac implantable electronic device implantation (CIED). However only few data in the literature are available in the setting of RHC. Objectives To compare the feasibility and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided IJV access for RHC procedure in pulmonary hypertension's patients anticoagulated vs non-anticoagulated. Methods This is a retrospective observational single–center study, including a cohort of 114 consecutive patients undergoing RHC via IJV assess by US guidance RHC at our tertiary care center between February 2018 and February 2022. The primary outcome was a composite of general (defined as overall success rate, patient discomfort, syncope, mortality) and access site complications (defined as significant hematoma formation greater than 5 cm in diameter, thrombosis, embolism, arterial puncture, pneumothorax, haemotomediastinum and hydro mediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema and nerve injury) after adequate hemostasis, at the access site at 6-hour post procedure. Results Of the 114 patients, 50 (44%) were on anticoagulation and 64 (56%) were not. Mean age was 71 ± 13 and 59 ± 16 years, respectively. The main indication for anticoagulation was atrial fibrillation in 40 (80%) patients. 43 (86%) patients were on DOAC, only 7 (14%) on Warfarin. 13 patients were on single antiplatelet therapy and 8 were on double antiplatelet therapy. Mean INR value was 1.25 ± 0.33 in the anticoagulated population and 1.08 ± 0.11 in the non-anticoagulated one. HAS-BLED score was equal or greater than 3 in 29 (25%) patients. Indication for RHC was mainly confirmation of PH class I diagnosis (54% of patients). None of the patients enrolled developed general or access site complications, except for 1 (2%) non-anticoagulated patient who develop a significant hematoma (defined as &amp;gt;5 cm in diameter) at the puncture site. All patients underwent day-hospital regimen, were able to mobilize immediately following the procedure, and were discharged as planned at 6 hours. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge this is the first study in the literature supporting the feasibility and safety of US guided IJV approach to RHC in anticoagulated patients when compared to non-anticoagulated patients affected by pulmonary hypertension. Keywords: Right heart catheterization, catheterization, anticoagulation, internal jugular vein, US-guidance, access site complications

Alternative Approach for Pulmonary Valvuloplasty in Critical Congenital Pulmonary Stenosis

Critical congenital pulmonary stenosis with intact interventricular septum is a cyanotic and potentially lethal neonatal cardiac anomaly. Percutaneous transcatheter balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty for critical pulmonary stenosis often presents technical difficulties due to supra-systemic pressure in right ventricle. Using transjugular approach instead of the femoral vein helps in dealing with this issue. We describe the successful use of right internal jugular vein approach in a case of critical pulmonary stenosis.

Abstract No. 603 Safety and feasibility of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation via a left internal jugular vein approach

Abstract No. 603 Safety and feasibility of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation via a left internal jugular vein approach

Comparison of comfort and complications of Implantable Venous Access Port (IVAP) with ultrasound guided Internal Jugular Vein (IJV) and Axillary Vein/Subclavian Vein (AxV/SCV) puncture in breast cancer patients: a randomized controlled study

BackgroundAxillary vein/subclavian vein (AxV/SCV) and Internal jugular vein (IJV) are commonly used for implantable venous access port (IVAP) implantation in breast cancer patients for chemotherapy. Previous research focused on comparison of complications while patient comfort was ignored. This study aims to compare patient comfort, surgery duration and complications of IVAP implantation between IJV and AxV/SCV approaches.MethodsTwo hundred forty-eight breast cancer patients were enrolled in this randomized controlled study from August 2020 to June 2021. Patients scheduled to undergo IVAP implantation were randomly and equally assigned to receive central venous catheters with either AxV /SCV or IJV approaches. All patients received comfort assessment using a comfort scale table at day 1, day 2 and day 7 after implantation. Patient comfort, procedure time of operation as well as early complications were compared.ResultsPatient comfort was significantly better in the AxV/SCV group than that of IJV group in day 1 (P < 0.001), day 2 (P < 0.001) and day 7(P = 0.023). Procedure duration in AxV/SCV group was slightly but significantly shorter than IJV group (27.14 ± 3.29 mins vs 28.92 ± 2.54 mins, P < 0.001). More early complications occurred in AxV/SCV group than IJV group (11/124 vs 2/124, P = 0.019). No difference of complications of artery puncture, pneumothorax or subcutaneous hematoma between these two groups but significantly more catheter misplacement in AxV/SCV group than IJV group (6/124 vs 0/124, P = 0.029). Absolutely total risk of complications was rather low in both groups (8.87% in AxV/SCV group and 1.61% in IJV group).ConclusionsOur study indicates that patients with AxV/SCV puncture have higher comfort levels than IJV puncture. AxV/SCV puncture has shorter procedure duration but higher risk of early complications, especially catheter misplacement. Both these two approaches have rather low risk of complications. Consequently, our study provides an alternative choice for breast cancer patients to reach better comfort.

Complications After Implantation of Subcutaneous Central Venous Ports: Focus on Infection and Catheter Pinch-off

Objective The objective of this study was to determine the causes of postoperative complications associated with subcutaneous central venous ports. Summary of Background Data Central venous ports were subcutaneously implanted in 523 patients between January 2005 and December 2013. Methods The purpose of port implantation was administration of chemotherapy in 439 patients and home central venous nutrition in 84 patients. The underlying disease was malignant in 481 patients and benign in 42. Results The median follow-up was 12 months (range, 1–99 months), and postoperative complications developed in 69 patients (13%). Infection occurred in 40 patients (7.6%) and catheter pinch-off in 11 patients (3%). Significant risk factors for infection were nutritional port placement (P &amp;lt; 0.001) and use of a femoral vein approach (P = 0.001). A left subclavian approach was a significant risk factor for catheter pinch-off (P = 0.003). Conclusions Postoperative complications, mainly infections and catheter pinch-off, developed in 13% of the patients. As for measures against complications, a femoral vein approach should be avoided to prevent infection. Moreover, because ports for parenteral nutrition require multiple punctures, methods to reduce the number of punctures and techniques for disinfection and management should be reevaluated. To prevent catheter pinch-off, an internal jugular vein approach should be used instead of a left subclavian approach.

Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment of an Occult Hemothorax Following Complicated Central Line Insertion Leads to Cardiac Arrest

Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment of an Occult Hemothorax Following Complicated Central Line Insertion Leads to Cardiac Arrest

Central Venous Catheter Tip Malposition After Internal Jugular Vein Cannulation in Pediatric Patients With Congenital Heart Disease

The primary objective of the study was to identify the incidence of catheter tip malposition as determined by postoperative radiography after central venous cannulation by right and left internal jugular venous routes in pediatric cardiac surgical patients. The secondary objective was to determine the relative risk of malposition between the 2 approaches into specific major thoracic veins other than the right superior vena cava. A prospective observational study. A tertiary cardiac care center. Pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery INTERVENTIONS: Internal jugular vein cannulation with ultrasound guidance. Two hundred pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgeries for cardiac anomalies with Risk Adjustment in Congenital Heart Surgery scores of 1- to-6 were included in the study. After anesthetic induction, 50% of the patients were cannulated via the right internal jugular vein (RIJV group, n=100), and the other 50% via the left internal jugular vein (LIJV group, n=100). The position of the catheter tip was ascertained by a plain chest x-ray. The central venous catheter tip was deemed to be malpositioned if the tip was in the ipsilateral or contralateral subclavian vein or in the contralateral internal jugular vein. In the RIJV group, 4% of the patients had the central venous catheter tip in a malposition (4/100). In the LIJV group, 6 of the 100 patients had a left superior vena cava and were excluded. In the rest of the LIJV group, the central venous catheter tip was in a malposition in 22.3% of patients (21/94, relative risk: 6.90, p < 0.001). Malposition into the right subclavian vein was more frequent with the left internal jugular vein access (11/94, 11.7%) compared with the right internal jugular vein access (relative risk: 13.12, p=0.015). The incidence of a malposition of a central venous catheter tip after either right or left internal jugular vein approach was ascertained. The relative risk of a malposition occurring with the left internal jugular approach was higher, and the most common site of malposition was in the right subclavian vein.

Combined Y-configured stents for revising occluded transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

We aimed to determine the technical feasibility, safety and prognosis of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) revision by combined Y-configured stents placement. We retrospectively evaluated 12 patients who received TIPS revision using Y-stenting technique between June 2015 and January 2019. The rates of technical success, complication, shunt patency, hepatic encephalopathy and mortality were described and analyzed. The combined Y-configured stents were successfully placed in 11 of 12 patients (92%) without major complications. The median portosystemic pressure gradient (PPG) decreased from 23 mmHg (interquartile range, IQR, 18.5-27.5 mmHg) to 10 mmHg (IQR, 9-14 mmHg). The left internal jugular vein approach was used in 5 patients. Four patients required a shunt extension with an extra stent to resolve the stenosis at the portal venous terminus. Two patients developed hepatic encephalopathy, which was medically controlled within 3 months after the procedure. The TIPS patency and survival rates were both 100% during a median follow-up period of 10 months (IQR, 5.5-14 months). TIPS revision by combined Y-configured stents placement was technically feasible and safe with favorable clinical outcomes.

Feasibility and safety of right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy via the right internal jugular vein approach

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) via the right internal jugular vein approach. Methods: It was a retrospective and descriptive study. A total of 272 patients, who underwent right ventricular EMB from December 2014 to June 2020 in Fuwai Hospital and Peking Union Medical College Hospital were enrolled. The preliminary diagnosis included suspected myocarditis, myocardiopathy, unexplained heart failure etc after exclusion of coronary heart disease. Clinical characteristics including age, sex, height, weight, NYHA functional class, NT-proBNP, chest radiography, echocardiography, and hemodynamics parameters were collected at baseline. EMB was performed via right internal jugular vein approach under the biplane fluoroscopic guidance. Success rate was calculated in this study. Complications related to operation were recorded according the following definitions. Major complications included death, urgent cardiac surgery, advanced cardiac life support, pericardiocentesis in cardiac tamponade, permanent complete atrioventricular block requiring permanent pacing etc. Minor complications included pericardial effusion without pericardiocentesis, temporary (lasting less than 24 hours) or permanent right bundle-branch block, temporary Mobitz type Ⅱ atrioventricular block (AV block) with AV conduction 2∶1 requiring medical treatment with atropine, or additive temporary pacing, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia with long runs of more than 10 ventricular complexes, and an episode of atrial fibrillation lasting less than 12 hours or cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Other complications included tricuspid anterior chorda rupture and new onset tricuspid regurgitation after EMB. Results: In this study, right ventricular EMB were performed successfully in 270 patients, the total success rate was 99.3% (270/272), and EMB were failed in 2 (0.7%) patients. Age of the enrolled patients was (42.7±16.9) years, and there were 164 (60.3%) males. Major complication including cardiac tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis occurred in 2 (0.7%) patients. Minor complications such as small amount pericardial effusion occurred in 18 (6.6%) patients, tricuspid anterior chorda rupture occurred in 1 (0.4%) patient. No patient died, or requiring permanent pacing, or requiring emergency cardiac surgery. The complication rate was 9.3% (13/140), 7.8% (7/90), and 2.4% (1/42) in operators with 1, 2, and 3 years' experience. Conclusions: EMB via the right jugular vein approach under fluoroscopic guidance is a simple, safe and feasible procedure. The complication rates decrease significantly with increasing operator experience.

A case of successful ablation of ventricular ectopic focus from the superior tricuspid annulus through the internal jugular vein: a case report

BackgroundSymptomatic premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are a common clinical problem. Although most of ventricular ectopic foci can be easily ablated, some are very challenging and require special manoeuvers. This case report presents an approach to improve electrode stability during ablation.Case summaryA 19-year-old Asian male patient presented with frequent symptomatic PVCs having an inferior axis, left bundle branch morphology, and R/S transition in V4. Structural heart disease was excluded by echocardiography and general blood tests were normal. The treatment with a class Ic antiarrhythmic (ethacizine) over 2 months was ineffective and the patient was admitted for radiofrequency ablation. Activation mapping revealed a PVC focus in the superior part of the tricuspid annulus, but the femoral access approach resulted in frequent dislocation of the ablation tip. An internal jugular vein approach though resulted in improved stability and successful elimination of the PVC.DiscussionIn cases with PVCs from the superior portions of the right heart, stability of the electrode may be improved by a jugular venous access.

Abstract 16814: Procedural Time in Echocardiogram versus Fluoroscopic Guided Endomyocardial Biopsies: Debunking the Myth

Introduction: Fluoroscopic-guided endomyocardial biopsy (FGEB) of the right ventricle is the most common method for rejection surveillance among heart transplant recipients. Echocardiogram guided endomyocardial biopsy (EGEB) has been shown to be a safe alternative, but not widely adopted, in part due to perceived longer procedural time. Hypothesis: EGEB is has comparable total procedural and biopsy time compared to FGEB and significantly lowers radiation exposure. Methods: A single center retrospective study was performed on patients who underwent biopsy via right internal jugular vein approach from 1/1/15 to 2/1/19. Biopsy time was time of bioptome insertion to sheath removal. Total procedure time was from physician entrance to exit into procedure lab. Results: 100, patients, 487 biopsies. The mean biopsy time of EGEB was similar to FGEB; 30.0 ± 10.2 min (95% CI: 27.9-32.1 min) to 29.7 ± 9.91 min (95% CI: 28.7 - 30.7 min) respectively, p = 0.73. The mean total procedural time of the EGEB was similar to FGEB; 70.3 ± 18.9 min (95% CI: 34-125 min) to 73.4 ± 18.5 min (95% CI: 21 - 129 min), p = 0.102. Mean fluoroscopy time for EGEB was lower than FGEB; 1.78 min (95% CI: 1.4-2.2 min) vs 5.53 min (95% CI: 5.22-5.83 min) p &lt; 0.0001. A mixed model analysis of mean fluoroscopy time was performed to account for the same patients receiving multiple endomyocardial biopsies, sometimes by different guidance, showed a difference of 1.89 mins less with EGEB than FGEB (p &lt; 0.0001). Conclusions: EGEB has similar biopsy and total procedural time but significantly reduced fluoroscopy time. EGEB should be routinely considered in patients for endomyocardial biopsy.

Temporary right ventricular circulatory support following right ventricular infarction: results of a groin-free approach.

AimsAcute right heart failure (RHF) is a severe complication of right ventricular infarction. The management of acute RHF poses a number of challenges, such as providing haemodynamic support. Temporary circulatory support (TCS) may be required upon failing medical therapy. The ProtekDuo® dual lumen cannula provides a minimally invasive option for (TCS) through a groin‐free internal jugular vein approach. We present the largest patient series to date using the ProtekDuo® cannula as temporary right ventricular assist device (t‐RVAD) in RHF after acute myocardial infarction (MI).Methods and resultsFrom July 2016 to November 2019, 10 patients underwent t‐RVAD implantation for RHF following acute MI. Transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography were performed in all patients to assess cardiac function, with a particular focus on RV function. Cumulative 30‐day survival was 60%. Mean TAPSE was 6.4 ± 3.1 mm, mean fractional area change was 12.1 ± 4.2%, and mean right ventricular end diastolic area was 19.8 ± 2.7 cm2. Mean implantation time was 32.8 ± 8.3 min. Mean interval after first cardiac intervention was 4.6 ± 5.8 days. Mean t‐RVAD time was 10.0 ± 7.4 days with a significant reduction in central venous pressure 19.3 ± 2.7 vs. 8.2 ± 2.6 mmHg, P < 0.001 and a significant increase in central venous saturation 52.8 ± 15.6 vs. 80.0 ± 6.0%, P < 0.001. Mean intensive care unit stay was 18.6 ± 12.2 days. Four patients were weaned from TCS. Two patients were bridged to a long‐term paracorporeal RVAD. There were no t‐RVAD associated complications. Causes of death (n = 4) were multiorgan failure, electromechanical dissociation, and haemorrhagic stroke. Mean follow‐up time was 96.0 ± 107.6 days. No independent predictors of mortality were identified in univariate analysis.ConclusionsWe show that groin‐free, percutaneous implantation of the ProtekDuo® cannula is a feasible and safe tool for TCS in acute RHF post‐MI. This approach provides the advantages of percutaneous implantation including complete mobilization and non‐surgical bedside explantation, as well as the option for adding an oxygenator to the t‐RVAD circuit.

3:09 PM Abstract No. 274 Effect of scheduling inferior vena cava filter removal during the placement encounter on filter removal rate

To evaluate how scheduling of inferior vena cava (IVC) filter removal during the IVC placement encounter affects filter removal rate. All electronically documented encounters of IVC filter placement and removal at a single institution were examined from April 2015 to September 2019. Patients without image-confirmed filter placement were excluded. 352 patients (mean age, 68 years; 173 females; 178 males) underwent technically successful IVC filter placements. During preoperative consent for IVC filter placement, one of the primary operators scheduled his 234 patients for filter removal on specific dates within the following three months. The remaining 118 patients were not scheduled for filter removal at the time of filter placement. Prior to filter placements, inferior venacavography was performed. A Cook Celect Platinum filter was placed either via the internal jugular or femoral vein approach. Filters were determined to have been successfully retrieved if there was image-guided evidence of technically successful removal of the same previously placed filter. The difference in filter removal rate between those that were scheduled for retrieval at time of placement versus not scheduled were examined using Chi-square single variate analysis. Of the 234 patients who were scheduled for IVC filter removal during preoperative consent for filter placement, 103 (49%) filters were successfully removed (mean time from placement, 143 days; standard deviation, 202 days). Of the 118 unscheduled patients, 9 (8%) had successful filter removal (mean time, 185 days; standard deviation, 253 days). All retrievals were simple and technically successful. There was a strong statistical difference in filter removal rate between scheduled and unscheduled patients (P = 1.5 x 10-40). Three patients (all from the scheduled group) had clot burden within the filter deeming them inappropriate for removal. These patients were rescheduled and eventually had successful removal. One patient (from the scheduled group) required venacavogram to be performed with carbon dioxide contrast due to renal failure. Scheduling IVC filter removal during the placement encounter significantly improves filter removal rate.

Real-time ultrasound-guided supraclavicular technique as a possible alternative approach for Hickman catheter implantation

BackgroundTunneled Hickman/Broviac central venous catheter implantation is performed when patients require a central vein route for long-term therapy. The subclavian or internal jugular vein approach is often chosen for their implantation sites. However, access to the central vein can be difficult owing to thrombosis or stenosis when the same vein has already been accessed several times. In such situations, other possible alternative approaches to the central vein should be considered to avoid serious complications owing to further unsuccessful attempts. Description of operative techniqueWe encountered a 1-year-old patient admitted to our hospital for a Hickman catheter implantation after multiple unsuccessful attempts at central venous catheter insertion via bilateral subclavian approaches in another hospital. An ultrasound showed that no more subclavian veins were available on either side. A real-time ultrasound-guided right supraclavicular approach was performed as a solution to this situation. ConclusionsIn this article, we introduce a real-time ultrasound-guided supraclavicular approach as a possible alternative method for Hickman catheter implantation. We present step-by-step instructions including figures and a video and further discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure, comparing the right and left approaches with references to existing literature. Level of evidenceLevel I.

Comparison between ultrasound-guided TIVAD via the right innominate vein and the right internal jugular vein approach

BackgroundTo compare the efficacy and safety of right internal jugular vein (IJV) approach and right innominate vein (INV) approach for US-guided totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs), and to explore the advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches.MethodsSix hundred and nineteen adult patients had long-term infusion and chemotherapy needs and inconvenience of peripheral venous infusion. Right INV approach was used to implant 339 cases of TIVADs, and right IJV approach was used to implant 280 cases of TIVADs. The success rate of one-time catheterization and the incidence of complications in the two groups were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsAll patients were successfully implanted in TIVAD. The success rates of one-time puncture in INV group and IJV approach group were 98.53% (334/339) and 95.36% (267/280), respectively. There was significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.020). The incidence of perioperative complications and long-term complications in the right INV group were 1.18% (4/339) and 3.54% (12/339), respectively, while those in the right IJV group were 1.43% (4280) and 3.93% (11280). There was no significant difference in the incidence of perioperative or long-term complications between the two groups (P = 0.785, P = 0.799, respectively).ConclusionsUS-guided TIVADs via the right INV approach and the right IJV approach are both safe and reliable. The right INV approach improves the one-time puncture success rate, as long as the technique is properly operated, serious complications rarely occur.

Balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty in neonates with critical pulmonary stenosis: Jugular or femoral.

Background:Critical pulmonary stenosis (PS) is one of the life-threatening congenital heart diseases which present during the neonatal period with cyanosis. Surgical valvotomy was once the procedure of choice for critical PS; however, balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) has now become the standard treatment. Although the procedure is usually simple, crossing the pulmonary valve from the femoral vein can be difficult, especially when severe tricuspid regurgitation and right atrium dilatation are present. In such patients, the maneuver can be simplified by using the right internal jugular vein approach. However, many operators are reluctant to use this approach because of unfamiliarity with the technique, potential complications, and paucity of reports. Until now, there is no literature describing BPV using the transjugular approach in neonates, also none directly comparing the transfemoral and transjugular approaches.Objective:We compared transjugular with the transfemoral approach in terms of procedure time and complications.Materials and Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study. Participants were neonates with critical PS undergoing BPV in the National Cardiovascular Center Harapan Kita from 2013 to 2018.Results:Of 15 neonates undergoing BPV, eight were done using the transjugular approach and seven using the femoral approach. Mean age and weight in both groups was similar. In all eight patients using transjugular approach, crossing the pulmonary valve was consistently quick and easy. The total procedural time, pulmonary crossing time, and fluoro time was significantly shorter using the transjugular approach (65 ± 8 vs. 108 ± 17.8 min, P < 0.05; 22 ± 3.1 vs. 45 ± 14.8 min, P < 0.01; 29 ± 13 vs. 67 ± 35 min, P < 0.05). There were no complications relating to vascular access. Moreover, the BPV procedure itself demonstrated comparable results in both groups.Conclusion:BPV using the transjugular approach is safe and effective to relieve critical PS in neonates compared to the transfemoral approach.