Ultrasound-guided catheterization of axillary vein of a small size

Abstract

Background. Small size is an obvious obstacle to catheterization of any vessel. It is recommended nowadays to perform invasive procedures under ultrasound guidance. Efficacy profile for subclavian vein catheterization, however, was not shown to improve under ultrasound guidance according to the results of six meta-analyses. Objectives. To demonstrate effectiveness of ultrasound-guided axillary vein catheterization of a small size. Material and methods. Ultrasound-guided axillary vein catheterization of a small size was performed using optimized technique in 12 patients. Results. Technique was successful at first skin and vein puncture without needle redirections in 11 out of 12 cases, mean time to guidewire insertion was 171 ± 6 s. Conclusion. New optimized technique for ultrasound-guided catheterization of axillary vein of a small size is effective and can be introduced into clinical practice.