Real-time ultrasound-guided subclavian vein cannulation versus the landmark method in critical care patients: A prospective randomized study*

• DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0b013e318218a1ae
• Publication Date: 2011-03-25T20:05:17Z
• Authors: Mariantina Fragou; Andreas Gravvanis; Vasilios Dimitriou; Apostolos Papalois; Gregorios Kouraklis; Andreas Karabinis; Theodosios Saranteas; John Poularas; John Papanikolaou; Periklis Davlouros; Nicos Labropoulos; Dimitrios Karakitsos
• Keywords: Subclavian vein; Venipuncture

Subclavian vein catheterization may cause various complications. We compared the real-time ultrasound-guided subclavian cannulation vs. landmark method in critical care patients.Prospective randomized study.Medical intensive unit of a tertiary medical center.Four hundred sixty-three mechanically ventilated patients enrolled controlled ISRCTN-registered trial (ISRCTN-61258470).We (200 patients) (201 using an infraclavicular needle insertion point all cases. Catheterization was performed under nonemergency conditions unit. Randomization by means computer-generated random-numbers table and were stratified with regard to age, gender, body mass index.No significant differences presence risk factors for difficult between two groups recorded. achieved 100% ultrasound group as 87.5% one (p < .05). Average access time number attempts significantly reduced In group, artery puncture hematoma occurred 5.4% patients, respectively, hemothorax 4.4%, pneumothorax 4.9%, brachial plexus injury 2.9%, phrenic nerve 1.5%, cardiac tamponade 0.5%, which increased Catheter misplacements did not differ groups. this study, rated on semiquantitative scale technically participating physicians.The present data suggested that is superior should be choice these patients.