Static Ultrasonographic Assessment for Central Venous Catheterization Reduces Catheter Dysfunction in the Emergency Department

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a static ultrasonographic (US) examination of the central venous structures before central venous catheterization (CVC) and the success of the procedure. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, patients who underwent CVC, in an emergency department (ED), were divided into two groups: patients who underwent CVC using the anatomical landmark technique (n = 34) and patients who underwent CVC using a static US examination (n = 33). The procedure times, success rates, and number of catheters used were compared. Results: A total of 67 patients who underwent CVC were included in the study. Compared with the anatomical landmark technique, the static US examination had a higher procedural success rate ( P = .001), fewer total interventions ( P = .001), and fewer postprocedural catheter dysfunctions ( P = .048). While there was no difference in the duration of the CVC between groups ( P = .222), the total time spent was longer using a static US examination ( P = .022). Conclusion: The static US examination was a practical, easy-to-apply method that could be used for CVC placement in an ED. This study demonstrated sonography had a high success rate in CVC procedures and contributed to a reduction in the number of interventions and catheters used.