Ultrasound-guided Internal Jugular Vein Research Articles

Incidence of posterior wall penetration during internal jugular vein cannulation: A comparison of two techniques using real-time ultrasound.

Background and Aims:The true incidence of penetration of the posterior wall (through-and-through puncture) of the internal jugular vein (IJV) during cannulation is unknown. This may have implications if there is hematoma formation, penetration and/or inadvertent cannulation of an underlying carotid artery. This study compared the incidence of posterior wall puncture during IJV cannulation using ultrasound guidance versus traditional landmarks-guided technique.Methods:One hundred and seventy adult patients admitted to a gastro-liver Intensive Care Unit who required central venous lines were randomly divided into Group A: IJV cannulation using anatomical landmark-guided technique and Group B: IJV cannulation using real-time ultrasound guidance. In both groups, a second investigator followed the needle path using real-time ultrasound. The incidence of posterior wall puncture, number of attempts for successful cannulation, incidence of inadvertent arterial punctures and occurrence of complications such as hematoma formation and pneumothorax were recorded.Results:Significantly more (37/80, 46%) patients in Group A had posterior wall puncture compared to 19/90 (21%) in Group B. Incidence of arterial puncture was 8/80 (10%) in Group A, 5/90 (5.5%) in Group B. The number of attempts for venous cannulation and hematoma formation was significantly less in Group B.Conclusion:Real-time ultrasound-guided IJV cannulation significantly reduces but does not wholly eliminate the incidence of posterior venous wall penetrations. It also significantly reduces the incidence of inadvertent arterial punctures and number of attempts for successful cannulation.

Efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided placement of central venous port systems via the right internal jugular vein in elderly oncologic patients: our single-center experience and protocol.

Ultrasound-guidance has become the routine method for internal jugular vein (IJV) catheterization reducing dramatically failure and complication rates for central venous port (CVP) placement. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided IJV CVP placement in elderly oncologic patients. Between January 2013 and December 2015, 101 elderly oncological patients underwent right IJV CVP placement under ultrasound-guidance. The length of catheter introduction ranged from 18 to 21cm. Intraoperative fluoroscopy (IF) was always performed intraoperatively. Chest X-ray (CXR) was always performed 30min after the end of the procedure. The morbidity rate was 1.98%; two arterial punctures were reported with one self-limiting hematoma. Two patients (1.98%) had catheter misplacements, recognized by intraoperative IF. No patients (0%) experienced pneumothorax (PNX), confirmed at CXR. Patients were all discharged at maximum 6h from the procedure. The risk of catheter misplacement, PNX, and arterial/nerve puncture remains present with this technique. Lower rates of catheter misplacement have been reported after right IJV puncture, probably for its straight vertical course. Our results are in accordance with literature (1 counter-lateral subclavian vein and 1 counter-lateral internal jugular vein misplacements). All misplacements were detected intraoperatively. The PNX rates after cannulation of the IJV vary between 0.0 and 0.5%. We had no PNX occurrence. Ultrasonography (US) has improved safety and effectiveness of port system placements. While routine post-procedural CXR seems avoidable, IF should be considered mandatory.

Efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein catheterization in low birth weight newborn

BackgroundCentral venous catheterization is not the first choice of vascular access in neonates. Success depends on the size of the vessel and the skill of the health professional performing the procedure. The internal jugular vein provides a predictable path for central venous cannulation, although it is more difficult to cannulate infants than adults and even more difficult in smaller newborns. MethodsWe conducted a prospective study in 100 newborns, in which a 4 Fr ultrasound-guided central venous catheter was placed in the right internal jugular vein (RIJV). The study population was low birth weight (LBW) newborns <2500g, very low birth weight (VLBW) newborns <1500g and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) newborns <1000g. ResultsThere were 53% female patients, mean gestational age was 31weeks, mean weight 1352g and the CVC was placed at a mean of 12days of extrauterine life. Birth weight distribution was 39% LBW; 33% VLBW and 28% ELBW. A mean of two (1–8) attempts were necessary with a procedure duration of 16.8 (10–40) minutes. Success of RIJV catheterization was 94%. One attempt was necessary in 50% and up to 5 attempts in 95.7%. Success by weight was VLBW, 97.2%; ELBW, 92.9%; LBW, 91.7%. A venous hematoma occurred in 5% of cases. ConclusionsUltrasound-guided RIJV cannulation with real-time visualization to gain access to the central venous circulation in low birth weight newborns is effective and safe.

Long-axis view for ultrasound-guided central venous catheter placement via the internal jugular vein.

In modern practice, real-time ultrasound guidance is commonly employed for the placement of internal jugular vein catheters. With a new tool, such as ultrasound, comes the opportunity to refine and further optimize the ultrasound view during jugular vein catheterization. We describe jugular vein access techniques and use the long-axis view as an alternative to the commonly employed short-axis cross-section view for internal jugular vein access and cannulation. The long-axis ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein approach for internal jugular vein cannulation is a useful alternative technique that can provide better needle tip and guidewire visualization than the more traditional short-axis ultrasound view.

Non-invasive central venous pressure estimation by ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein cross-sectional area measurement

Purpose. Central venous pressure (CVP) is widely used in clinical practice as a tool in assessment of fluid status and fluid responsiveness. It is however an invasive monitoring tool and fraught with many untoward complications. This research aims to ascertain if ultrasound-guided measurements of the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the internal jugular vein (IJV) has any correlation with conventional CVP values. Methods. A prospective observational study was conducted for a period of two months. Patients presenting to the operating room or admitted to the Intensive Care Unit who had placement of a central venous catheter were sequentially selected and informed consent obtained. All patients had their right IJV dimensions measured by ultrasound using a high frequency 12 MHz vascular surface probe. Measurements obtained included the CSA and circumference of the IJV before insertion of the central line. Central line was placed, CVP was then recorded and the CVP values and the IJV dimensions were correlated. Results. A total of 43 patients were enrolled, but valid data were obtained only from 40. There was a strong correlation between the CSA of IJV with CVP readings (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = 0.559, p < 0.001). Also the correlation between the circumference and recorded CVP was found to be statistically significant (r = 0.481, p < 0.001). Regression formulae were constructed to calculate CVP from IJV circumference as well as CSA. Conclusions. There is a strong correlation between sonographically measured IJV CSA and catheter-measured CVP. In patients having contraindications for a central catheter, non-invasive sonographic measurement of CVP may be a reliable option.

Asymptomatic Mediastinal Hematoma as a Complication of Ultrasound-Guided Internal Jugular Vein Catheterization

Central venous catheterization is a frequently performed procedure in the intensive care units (ICU) for various treatments such as iv therapy, parenteral nutrition and hemodialysis but occasionally encountered complications can be fatal. Therefore, safe insertion with confirmation of correct positioning of the catheter is vital. Ultrasound (US)-guided insertion of catheters has been used widely, and its safety and efficacy have been demonstrated in several studies. However, this technique is not free from complications, such as carotid artery puncture, hemothorax, pneumothorax and infection. In this case, anterior mediastinal hematoma proceeded after US-guided internal jugular vein (IJV) catheterization.

In reply: Ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein cannulation: techniques to confirm guidewire location.

To the Editor, We thank Drs Maheshwari for their interest in our report in which we described the application of digital neck pressure to facilitate visualization of the guidewire within the venous lumen during ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein cannulation. They propose three additional maneuvers for confirmation of the guidewire within the vein: placing the ultrasound probe in plane, wiggling the guidewire, and applying the pressure with the ultrasound transducer and its release. Our method, as are theirs, is simple, noninvasive and quickly performed. The guidewire is not always visible with the ultrasound image, and we entirely agree that multiple techniques should be used to confirm correct placement. In our view, confirmation of the guidewire is also important for patient safety, although there is little information about the specifics of ultrasound-guided guidewire visualization in most reported studies.

P-020 – Syndrome cave supérieur compliquant la mise en place d'un cathéter central

Central venous catheterisation in neonates is difficult. The purpose of this study was to compare the Seldinger and modified Seldinger techniques for ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein catheterisation in neonates.In this randomised, controlled trial, 120 neonates (≤1 month old) requiring central venous catheterisation under general anaesthesia were allocated into either the Seldinger (n=60) or the modified Seldinger (n=60) group. The primary outcome was the incidence of successful catheterisation on the first attempt. We also assessed the incidences of successful puncture on the first attempt, successful guide wire insertion on the first attempt, and successful final catheterisation.The primary outcome, the incidence of successful catheterisation on the first attempt was higher in the modified Seldinger group than in the Seldinger group (83% vs 65%; relative risk=1.282; 95% confidence interval, 1.032–1.594; P=0.025). The incidence of successful guide wire insertion on the first attempt was also higher in the modified Seldinger group (95% vs 75%; relative risk=1.267; 95% confidence interval, 1.082–1.482; P=0.003). Other incidences did not differ significantly between the groups.For ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein catheterisation in neonates, the modified Seldinger technique showed superiority over the Seldinger technique in terms of successful catheterisation and guide wire insertion on the first attempt.NCT02688595.

Comparative Sonoanatomy of Classic “Short Axis” Probe Position with a Novel “Medial-oblique” Probe Position for Ultrasound-guided Internal Jugular Vein Cannulation: A Crossover Study

BackgroundUltrasound (US)-guided short-axis approach for internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation does not fully protect patients from inadvertent carotid artery (CA) puncture. Carotid puncture is not rare (occurring in up to 4% of all IJV cannulations) despite the use of US. ObjectivesCompare the sonoanatomy of the “medial-oblique approach” probe position with the classic US-guided “short-axis” probe position, specifically: relation of internal CA and IJV; vertical and horizontal diameter of IJV; and degree of overlapping of IJV with CA. MethodsOne hundred consecutive patients between the ages of 18 and 50 years, both male and female, and American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification system (ASA PS) I–II undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia were recruited in this prospective, randomized, crossover, parallel-group study. ResultsThe transverse diameter of the IJV was found to be significantly higher in the medial-oblique probe position (p = 0.000, mean difference 0.43 cm; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.34–0.52). The percentage of overlap was also significantly lower in the medial-oblique probe position (48.7 ± 10.7% in short-axis vs. 36.3 ± 13.2% in medial-oblique probe position; p = 0.000; mean difference 12.4%, 95% CI 9.1–15.8). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the anteroposterior diameter of the IJV between the two probe positions (1.11 ± 0.26 cm in short axis vs 1.07 ± 0.25 cm in medial oblique; p = 0.631). ConclusionThe medial-oblique probe position for IJV cannulation provides sonoanatomic superiority over the classic short-axis probe position. Further randomized, controlled trials may confirm the medial-oblique view's clinical benefit in the future.

Ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein catheterization in critically ill pediatric patients.

PurposeContinuous intravenous access is imperative in emergency situations. Ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein (IJV) catheterization was investigated in critically ill pediatric patients to assess the feasibility of the procedure.MethodsPatients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit between February 2011 and September 2012 were enrolled in this study. All patients received a central venous catheter from attending house staff under ultrasound guidance. Outcome measures included successful insertion of the catheter, cannulation time, number of cannulation attempts, and number and type of resulting complications.ResultsForty-one central venous catheters (93.2%) were successfully inserted into 44 patients (21 males and 23 females; mean age, 6.54±1.06 years). Thirty-three patients (75.0%) had neurological disorders. The right IJV was used for catheter insertion in 34 cases (82.9%). The mean number of cannulation attempts and the mean cannulation time was 1.57±0.34 and 14.07±1.91 minutes, respectively, the mean catheter dwell time was 14.73±2.5 days. Accidental catheter removal was observed in 9 patients (22.0%). Six patients (13.6%) reported complications, the most serious being catheter-related sepsis, which affected 1 patient (2.3%). Other complications included 2 reported cases of catheter malposition (4.6%), and 1 case each of arterial puncture (2.3%), pneumothorax (2.3%), and skin infection (2.3%).ConclusionThe results suggest that ultrasound-guided IJV catheterization can be performed easily and without any serious complications in pediatric patients, even when performed by visiting house staff. Therefore, ultrasound-guided IJV catheterization is strongly recommended for critically ill pediatric patients.

Visualization of fluid drainage pathways in lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes using a mouse model to test a lymphatic drug delivery system.

Curing/preventing micrometastasis to lymph nodes (LNs) located outside the surgically resected area is essential for improving the morbidity and mortality associated with breast cancer and head and neck cancer. However, no lymphatic therapy system exists that can deliver drugs to LNs located outside the dissection area. Here, we demonstrate proof of concept for a drug delivery system using MXH10/Mo-lpr/lpr mice that exhibit systemic lymphadenopathy, with some peripheral LNs being as large as 10 mm in diameter. We report that a fluorescent solution injected into the subiliac LN (defined as the upstream LN within the dissection area) was delivered successfully to the proper axillary LN (defined as the downstream LN outside the dissection area) through the lymphatic vessels. Our results suggest that this approach could be used before surgical resection to deliver drugs to downstream LNs outside the dissection area. We anticipate that our methodology could be applied clinically, before surgical resection, to cure/prevent micrometastasis in LNs outside the dissection area, using techniques such as ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein catheterization.

Canalización venosa yugular interna: ¿qué tanta seguridad podemos llegar a ofrecer?

IntroductionCentral venous catheterization, performed by the anatomical landmark technique, has a mechanical complication rate between 5% and 19%. This technique has been modified and new approaches have been implemented aiming to improve patient safety. With the introduction of ultrasonography in the clinical practice, and recently in central venous catheter insertion, the rate of complications has dropped over time. ObjectiveTo measure the clinical application of the algorithm “Successful ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein cannulation”. MethodsA descriptive, prospective, case series study. Patients over 18years of age were selected, and the informed consent documentation was filled out appropriately. Patients with masses, anatomical abnormalities, insertion site infections and coagulopathy (international normalized ratio ≥2.0, platelet count ≤50.000) were excluded. Central venous cannulation was performed under ultrasound guidance in accordance with safety recommendations from the Anaesthesia Department of the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá University Hospital (HUFSFB). Adjustment and validation of the algorithm was done according to an expert consensus in our department. A descriptive univariate analysis was conducted, and efficacy was determined on the basis of the number of attempts to achieve successful venous cannulation, and the incidence of complications. ResultsThis series included 38 patients with a mean age of 62years. In 97.4% of the cases, successful venous cannulation was achieved on the first attempt. Guidewire displacement was observed in one case, requiring a second attempt. The posterior jugular vein wall was punctured in two patients (5.2%), with no associated arterial vascular injury or pneumothorax. ConclusionsThis algorithm resulted in a high rate of successful first attempts and the prevention of potential complications, improving operational standards and healthcare quality for the patients.

Internal jugular vein cannulation: How much safety can we offer?

IntroductionCentral venous catheterization, performed by the anatomical landmark technique, has a mechanical complication rate between 5% and 19%. This technique has been modified and new approaches have been implemented aiming to improve patient safety. With the introduction of ultrasonography in the clinical practice, and recently in central venous catheter insertion, the rate of complications has dropped over time. ObjectiveTo measure the clinical application of the algorithm “Successful ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein cannulation”. MethodsA descriptive, prospective, case series study. Patients over 18 years of age were selected, and the informed consent documentation was filled out appropriately. Patients with masses, anatomical abnormalities, insertion site infections and coagulopathy (International Normalized Ratio [INR]≥2.0, platelet count ≤50.000) were excluded. Central venous cannulation was performed under ultrasound guidance in accordance with safety recommendations from the Anaesthesia Department of the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá University Hospital (HUFSFB). Adjustment and validation of the algorithm was done according to an expert consensus in our department. A descriptive univariate analysis was conducted, and efficacy was determined on the basis of the number of attempts to achieve successful venous cannulation, and the incidence of complications. ResultsThis series included 38 patients with a mean age of 62 years. In 97.4% of the cases, successful venous cannulation was achieved on the first attempt. Guidewire displacement was observed in one case, requiring a second attempt. The posterior jugular vein wall was punctured in two patients (5.2%), with no associated arterial vascular injury or pneumothorax. ConclusionsThis algorithm resulted in a high rate of successful first attempts and the prevention of potential complications, improving operational standards and healthcare quality for the patients.

Impact of the neutral position and rotation of the head in ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein catheterization on duration of procedure and complications

In internal jugular vein (IJV) catheterization, neck rotation may enhance the visibility of anatomical landmarks; however, it may increase the risk of carotid artery (CA) puncture by replacing the position of the IJV in relation to the CA. In our study, during US- guided IJV catheterizations, we investigated the effects of changing the position of the IJV by the CA depending on the neutral position and 45° rotation of the head on duration of procedure and complications.

Videothoracoscopic management of a perforated central vein and pleura after ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein cannulation: a case report.

A 23-year-old male underwent a left internal jugular vein catheterization during extended surgery for treatment of multiple fractures due to a traffic accident. Although the catheterization was performed under ultrasound (US) guidance, iatrogenic perforation of the central vein and pleura occurred. The catheter was removed, and the perforated site was addressed under thoracoscopy rather than an open thoracotomy. This case suggests that using US does not completely guarantee a complication-free outcome, and that catheter placement should be carefully confirmed. In addition, this case suggests that thoracoscopy may be an ideal method of resolving a perforation of the central vein and pleura.

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Introduction: Emerging data suggests that Acute Care Nurse Practioners (ACNP) have successfully been integrated into Intensive Care Units (ICU) across the United States. While the ACNP scope of practice and how to bill for procedures has been described, the ideal method to train and credential ACNPs to perform invasive procedures has not. We describe our initial experience training ACNPs to perform invasive critical care procedures utilizing our Fresh Tissue Dissection Lab (FTDL) and simulation program. Methods: Seven ACNP were given a self-directed didactic followed by a four-hour practicum utilizing perfused fresh tissue cadavers. The cadavers were perfused via femoral artery and vein cannulation with colored pressurized fluids simulating arterial and venous blood. Procedures performed included central venous landmark guided subclavian (SC) and ultrasound (US) guided internal jugular (IJ) vein catheter insertion, orotracheal intubation, tube thoracostomy, thoracentesis, and paracentesis. Pretest and posttest knowledge assessments were administered. Overall and specific procedural confidence was evaluated utilizing a retrospective pre-practicum and post-practicum analysis with a 5-point Likert scale (1, least confident and 5, most confident). Results: The mean years of clinical experience for the group was 4.1 years (range 4 months to 13 years). Each ACNP scored a 100% on both the pretest and posttest knowledge assessment. The overall procedural confidence for all procedures improved by 1.44, from 2.53 (SD± 0.629) to 3.97 (SD± 0.320) (p <0.001). For the insertion of central lines, overall confidence improved by 1.17 (p=0.013), for all other procedures confidence improved by 1.5 (p=0.01). Conclusions: Our initial experience utilizing our FTDL and simulation program to train ACNPs showed improved confidence scores after both the self-directed didactic and the FTDL practicum. The FTDL perfused pressurized model allowed differentiation of venous and arterial vessels during landmark guided SC vein and US guided IJ vein catheterization. This practicum has been integrated into our ACNP credentialing process to perform ICU procedures independently. Further study is needed to determine the ideal method to train and credential ACNPs to perform invasive procedures independently in the intensive care unit.

Ultrasound-guided subclavian venous catheterisation - is this the way forward? A narrative review

Central venous catheterisation is a commonly performed procedure in anaesthesia, critical care, acute and emergency medicine. Traditionally, subclavian venous catheterisation has been performed using the landmark technique and because of the complications associated with this technique, it is not commonly performed in the United Kingdom - where the accepted practice is ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein catheterisation. Subclavian vein catheterisation offers particular advantages over the internal jugular and femoral vein sites such as reduced rates of line-related sepsis, improved patient comfort and swifter access in trauma situations where the internal jugular vein may not be easily accessible. There is a growing body of evidence to suggest a potential emerging role for ultrasound-guided subclavian vein catheterisation. Barriers to this approach include many physicians still believing that the clavicle obscures imaging of the vein. In this article, we review the evidence supporting ultrasound-guided subclavian vein catheterisation and ask the question whether, in view of it potential advantages, it could be the way forward?

Relationship between the Right Internal Jugular Vein and Carotid Artery at Ipsilateral Head Rotation

Ultrasound-guided right internal jugular vein catheterization (RIJV) should be the first choice to decrease the catheter-related complications in high-risk hemodialysis patients. For this procedure, clinicians should identify the optimum positions of the RIJV, including its lower overlap with the carotid artery (CA) and high cross-sectional area of the vein. The aim of this prospective randomized study to evaluate the effects of mild ipsilateral head rotation combined with Trendelenburg position on RIJV cross-sectional area and its relation to the CA in adult patients. Forty ASA I–II patients who were undergoing elective surgery were enrolled for this study. The subjects were asked to remain supine in the 15–20° Trendelenburg position. Two-dimensional ultrasound was then used to measure the degree of overlap between the RIJV and CA, the cross-sectional area of the RIJV. These measurements were compared between head rotation to the >30° left, <30° left, neutral, and <30° right positions. When the head was in the >30° left position, overlap was seen in 38 of 40 patients (95%). As the head was rotated from >30° left to <30° right, the CA-RIJV overlap (from 95% to 57.5%), and the cross-sectional area (from 14.2 mm to 8.7 mm) significantly decreased. In conclusion, when the head was turned to <30° right, the CA-RIJV overlap significantly decreased, and the cross-sectional area also decreased. When clinicians determine the optimal head position before RIJV cannulation, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of the different head positions from >30° left to <30° right.

A Prospective Randomized Trial of Ultrasound- vs Landmark-Guided Central Venous Access in the Pediatric Population

The purpose of this prospective randomized study was to compare landmark- to ultrasound-guided central venous access when performed by pediatric surgeons. The American College of Surgeons advocates for use of ultrasound in central venous catheter placement; however, this is not universally embraced by pediatric surgeons. Complication risk correlates positively with number of venous cannulation attempts. With IRB approval, a randomized prospective study of children under 18 years of age undergoing tunneled central venous catheter placement was performed. Patient accrual was based on power analysis. Exclusion criteria included known nonpatency of a central vein or coagulopathy. After randomization, the patients were assigned to either ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein access or landmark-guided subclavian/internal jugular vein access. The primary outcomes measure was number of attempts at venous cannulation. Secondary outcomes measures included: access times, number of arterial punctures, and other complications. Continuous variables were compared using 2-tailed Student's t-test. Discrete variables were analyzed with chi-square. Significance was defined as p < 0.05. There were 150 patients enrolled between April 2008 and September 2011. There was no difference when comparing demographic data. Success at first attempt was achieved in 65% of patients in the ultrasound group vs 45% in the landmark group (p = 0.021). Success within 3 attempts was achieved in 95% of ultrasound group vs 74% of landmark group (p = 0.0001). Ultrasound reduced the number of cannulation attempts necessary for venous access. This indicates a potential to reduce complications when ultrasound is used by pediatric surgeons.

Fatal arterial complications following ultrasound-guided attempt of internal jugular vein catheterization

Puncture of the posterior venous wall during ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein cannulation seems to be common, making underlying artery at risk of injury. Two cases of injury through the posterior wall of the internal jugular vein and an injury to the underlying artery are reported. In case number 1, a small injury of the carotid arterial wall resulted in a retrograde dissection of the common carotid artery and ascending part of the aorta, causing a fatal cardiac tamponade—a sequence of events never previously described. In case number 2, an unexpected injury to the thyrocervical trunk in a severely thrombocytopenic patient caused an extensive hematoma that compromised the upper airway, eventually leading to a fatal outcome. These two reported fatal arterial complications during ultrasound-guided cannulation of the internal jugular vein add to other publications of complications after central vein catheterization. It is important to increase awareness of these avoidable serious complications.