Effectiveness of Ultrasonography Guided Subclavian Catheterization

Abstract

Background: Central venous catheterization (CVC) insertion is a common invasive procedure performed in critical care patients. Although this procedure is considered to providebetter patient comfort and a lower risk of infection compared to other methods, it has a higher risk of complications such as pneumothorax, arterial puncture, nerve injury, and bleeding. Ultrasonography (USG)-guided subclavian catheterization hasrecently become a popular technique. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed 50 patients who underwent infraclavicular subclavian catheterization with the out-of-plane technique under USG guidance. Materials and Methods: The retrospective study included50 patients who underwent subclavian CVC insertion via the out-of-plane technique under USG guidance in our intensive care unit (ICU)between March and December 2020. Results: The 50 patients comprised 27 (54%) men and 23 (46%) women with a mean age of 72.8±11.8 years. In all patients, subclavian CVC insertion was successfully performed under USG guidance via the out-of-plane technique. Mean procedural time was 220.90±60.20 sec. Only one complication (pneumothorax) developed in one patient, who underwent tube thoracostomy. The procedure was completed in a single session in 27 (54%), two sessions in 22 (44%), and three sessions in 1 (2%) patient. No catheter malposition was observed in any patient. Conclusion: USG-guided subclavian catheterization isa safetechnique to be performed by experienced practitioners.