Defining the surface anatomy of the central venous system in children

Conventional Radiology Evaluation of Neonatal Intravascular Devices (NIVDs): A Case Series

Our radiology department conducted an assessment of 300 neonatal radiographs in the neonatal intensive care unit over almost two years. The purpose was to evaluate the correct positioning of intravascular venous catheters. Our case series revealed that out of a total of 95 cases with misplaced devices, 59 were umbilical venous catheters and 36 were peripherally inserted central catheters. However, all of the central venous catheters were found to be properly positioned. Misplacements of neonatal intravascular devices were found to occur more frequently than expected. The scientific literature contains several articles highlighting the potential complications associated with misplaced devices. Our goal is to highlight the potential misplacements and associated complications that radiologists may encounter while reviewing conventional radiology imaging. Based on our experience, which primarily involved placing UVCs and PICCs, we discovered that conventional radiology is the most effective method for assessing proper device placement with the lowest possible radiation exposure. Given the high number of neonatal vascular device placement procedures, it is essential for radiologists to maintain a high level of vigilance and stay updated on the latest developments in this field.

A reappraisal of pediatric thoracic surface anatomy

Accurate knowledge of surface anatomy is essential for physical examination, invasive procedures, and anatomy education. Individual factors such as age make surface landmarks variable so accurate descriptions are needed. The aim of this study is to describe age-related surface landmarks for intrathoracic structures in children. A total of 156 thoracic computed tomography scans of children aged 0-18 years were categorized into six groups, and the associations between major intrathoracic structures and surface landmarks were analyzed. Sternal angle is an accurate surface landmark for the azygos vein-superior vena cava junction in all age groups. However, the aortic arch (except in the 0-1 year group), the bifurcation of the pulmonary trunk and the tracheal bifurcation in those aged 15-18 years were not within this plane. The left brachiocephalic vein was located behind the ipsilateral sternoclavicular joint except in the 1-3 years group, and the right was behind it in children older than 6 years. The apex of heart was at the 5th intercostal space level in the 0-1 and 12-18 years groups; however, it was higher in the other groups. The lower borders of the lungs were at the sixth costal cartilage level in the midclavicular line, eighth intercostal space level in the midaxillary line, and T12 adjacent to the vertebral column in the 15-18 years group; the lower borders were at higher levels in younger children. Defining the variations in surface anatomy by in vivo studies will increase its clinical and pedagogical value.

Methods for measuring venous peripherally inserted central catheters in newborns

OBJECTIVE

to analyze the results of insertion procedures of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in newborns using two measurement methods.

METHODS

this is a randomized clinical trial, presenting descriptive and exploratory results of variables. It was held at a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Data were collected between September 2018 and 2019. The sample analyzed was 88 catheter insertion procedures, distributed in two groups. Study approved by an Institutional Review Board and obtained registration in the country and abroad. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression of data.

RESULTS

modified measurement obtained a significant difference for the central catheter tip location. Elective removals and adverse events were not significant between groups; however, poor positioning was related to adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

between the two methods analyzed, the modified measurement obtained better results in the proper catheter tip positioning and, consequently, less risk to patients.

A reappraisal of pediatric abdominal surface anatomy

Surface anatomy is fundamental to clinical and surgical practices. As the surface anatomy varies with age, the purpose of this study is to provide age-standardized surface markings for the abdomen in children. A total of 155 abdominal computed tomography scans of healthy children aged 0-18 years were categorized into six groups, and the surface anatomy of the major vascular structures, solid viscera, and anatomical planes in the abdomen was analyzed. The vertebral levels of the celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, and hepatic portal vein formation were higher in the youngest age group, whereas the levels of the inferior mesenteric artery, formation of the inferior vena cava, and renal arteries did not differ with age. The right kidney lay between T12 and L3 and the left at T11-L3; however, both kidneys were in lower positions in younger children. The spleen was most commonly located between the 8th and 11th ribs except in toddlers. In all age groups, the hepatic portal vein formation was within the transpyloric plane and the aortic bifurcation was above the supracristal plane. In vivo reassessment of the surface anatomy enables the substantial variability of surface landmarks to be highlighted. This study demonstrates that taking account of age-related variations will increase the accuracy and therefore the clinical relevance of surface anatomy.

Neonatal Anthropometric Measures and Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Depth

BACKGROUND

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are used routinely in neonatal care. Measures of surface anatomy have been used to estimate appropriate PICC depth in neonates since 1973. However, prior PICC research using anthropometric measures to estimate proper PICC insertion depth has been limited to pediatric and adult literature.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships among a neonate's anthropometric measures and the appropriate PICC insertion depth.

METHODS

Neonates requiring PICC insertion at Nationwide Children's Hospital were enrolled between January and September 2018. Standard PICC procedures were followed. The research group corroborated appropriate PICC tip position of enrolled infants. Multivariable linear regression with robust standard errors was used to evaluate linear relationships between PICC insertion depth and current weight, current length, and PICC insertion site.

RESULTS

Demographics of enrolled infants included gestational ages of 23 to 39 weeks, weights of 510 to 3870 g, and lengths of 31 to 54 cm. Of the 56 infants considered, final statistical analysis included 49 neonates (14 ankle, 16 knee, and 19 antecubital insertions). Current neonatal weight was associated with PICC depth at all sites (all Ps < .0001). Current neonatal length was associated with PICC depth at all sites (all Ps < .0001). Preprocedure surface measurement was also strongly associated with PICC insertion depth (P < .0001).

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This investigation demonstrated a relationship for both neonatal weight and length that may be an anthropometric model for neonatal PICC insertion depth.

IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH

A more robust sample size could more precisely define the anthropometric model.

A Comparison of the external anatomical landmark and the radiological landmark for obtaining the optimal depth of a right internal jugular venous catheter in pediatric cardiac patients

BACKGROUND

The external anatomical landmark and the radiological landmark have been introduced to provide estimation of the depth of right internal jugular venous catheter during insertion.

AIMS

This study aimed to compare the accuracy, agreement, and reliability of the external anatomical landmark and the radiological landmark, confirmation being by transesophageal echocardiography.

METHODS

This prospective observational study was conducted in children ages 1-15 years. The catheter was placed at the superior vena cava and the right atrium junction guided by transesophageal echocardiography. The catheter depth derived from the transesophageal echocardiography, the external anatomical landmark, and the radiological landmark was recorded. The optimal zone of the catheter tip was 5 mm below and 10 mm above the superior vena cava and the right atrium junction. Accuracy was assessed by the difference between the transesophageal echocardiography and the external anatomical landmark or the radiological landmark. Agreement with Bland-Altman plots and correlation were tested.

RESULTS

Eighty participants, median age of 3 years, were enrolled. The median (IQR) differences between the depth of the transesophageal echocardiography and the external anatomical landmark or the radiological landmark were 0.30 (0, 0.70) and 0.10 (-0.20, 0.90) cm, respectively. Bland-Altman plots demonstrated good agreement between the depths. The catheter tips were located in the optimal zone more frequently with the external anatomical landmark than the radiological landmark (94.7% vs 64.5%). The external anatomical landmark showed a stronger correlation to transesophageal echocardiography than the radiological landmark (r = .95 vs .83).

CONCLUSION

Both the external anatomical landmark and the radiological landmark enabled accurate estimation of the central venous catheter depth close to the superior vena cava and the right atrium junction. The external anatomical landmark is of more potential use than the radiological landmark in clinical practice.

Pediatric central venous catheterization: The Role of the Aortic Valve in Defining the Superior Vena Cava-Right Atrium Junction

The aortic valve (AV) has been used as a surrogate marker for the superior vena cava-right atrium (SVC-RA) junction during the placement of central venous catheters. There is a paucity of evidence to determine whether this is a consistent finding in children. Eighty-seven computed tomography scans of the thorax acquired at local children's hospitals from April 2010 to September 2011 were retrospectively collected. The distance between the SVC-RA junction and the AV was measured by dual consensus. The cranio-caudal level of the junction and the AV were referenced to the costal cartilages (CCs) and anterior intercostal spaces (ICSs). The results confirmed that the SVC-RA junction has a variable relationship to the AV. The junction was on average 3.1 mm superior to the AV. This distance increased with age. In the <1-year-old age group, the junction was on average 1.3 mm superior to the AV (range: -6 to 11 mm). In the 1-2 years old age group: 3.5 mm (range: -8 to 15 mm). In the 3-6 years old: 3.8 mm (range: -9 to 13 mm). In the >7 years old age group: 4 mm (range: -11 to 16 mm). The surface anatomy of the SVC-RA junction was variable, ranging from the second ICS to sixth CC. The SVC-RA junction has a predictable relationship to the AV, and this can be used as an adjunct marker for accurate placement of central venous catheters except in the smallest neonates. Clin. Anat. 32:778-782, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Apprasial of the surface anatomy of the Thorax in an adolescent population

Surface anatomy is considered a fundamental part of anatomy curricula and clinical practice. Recent studies have reappraised surface anatomy using CT, but the adolescent age group has yet to be appraised. Sixty adolescent thoracoabdominal CT scans (aged 12-18 years) were examined. The surface anatomy of the central veins, cardiac apex, diaphragmatic openings, and structures in relation to the sternal angle plane were analyzed. The results showed that the brachiocephalic vein (left and right) formed mostly posterior to the sternoclavicular joint. The superior vena cava formed close to the second costal cartilage, ±16.3 mm to the right of the midline. The apex of the heart was located in relation to the fifth intercostal space; ±78.6 mm to the left of the midline. The caval hiatus was in relation to T9 and T10; the esophageal hiatus was at T10; whereas the aortic hiatus was at T11. The sternal angle plane was in relation to the upper half of T5, which was also where the bifurcations of the trachea and pulmonary trunk were observed. The SVC/azygos vein junction and the concavity of the aortic arch were observed to be more than 10 mm superior to this plane. The results of this study further highlight the substantial variability of the surface anatomy between age groups. It also emphasizes the notion that surface anatomy is a dynamic variable and cannot be treated as a static observation. Clin. Anat. 32:762-769, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Review of the Variations of the Superficial Veins of the Neck

The venous drainage of the neck can be characterized into superficial or deep. Superficial drainage refers to the venous drainage of the subcutaneous tissues, which are drained by the anterior and external jugular veins (EJVs). The brain, face, and neck structures are mainly drained by the internal jugular vein (IJV). The superficial veins are found deep to the platysma muscle while the deep veins are found encased in the carotid sheath. The junction of the retromandibular vein and the posterior auricular vein usually form the EJV, which continues along to drain into the subclavian vein. The anterior jugular vein is usually formed by the submandibular veins, travels downward anterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), and drains either into the EJV or the subclavian vein. Other superficial veins of the neck to consider are the superior, middle, and inferior thyroid veins. The superior thyroid and middle thyroid veins drain into the IJV whereas the inferior thyroid vein usually drains into the brachiocephalic veins.

Ultrasound versus anatomical landmarks: Immediate complications in the central venous catheterization in children under 18 years of age

INTRODUCTION

The insertion of a central venous line in children and adolescents is technically more difficult, due to the smaller size of the structures. This can lead to an increase in immediate complications, which can be reduced when using ultrasound. In our institution, the percentage of these complications and the use of ultrasound are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the frequency of immediate complications of central venous catheterisation guided by the ultrasound in a general university hospital, compared to the anatomical landmarks technique in children less than 18years of age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Observational, retrospective, and analytical study, comparing the frequency of complications with two central venous catheterisation techniques: anatomical landmarks and ultrasound, according to the clinical records of procedures performed from June to November 2016.

RESULTS

A total of 201 procedural records were analysed, of which 71% were with landmarks, and 29% with ultrasound. The overall incidence of immediate complications was 18.4%, with 12% using ultrasound and 21% using landmarks (OR: 0.5; 95%CI: 0.2-1.2). Children under 5years of age presented with 90% of the complications, the most frequent being the impossibility of passing the guide (29.7%) and multiple punctures (24.3%). There was no arterial puncture with use of ultrasound. Ultrasound was used by 13.4% of paediatric surgeons, by 32.4% of paediatricians, and 46.4% of anaesthetists, with complications of 25%, 19%, and 7%, respectively. The main indication for catheterisation was the need for vasoactive agents (74%), with the procedure being more complicated in patients with no peripheral venous accesses (46%). The success rate with anatomical landmarks was 77.6%, compared to 91.4% with ultrasound.

CONCLUSION

Central venous catheterisation with ultrasound guidance in children under 18 reduces immediate complications by 42.8% and improves the success rate by 13.8%.

A reappraisal of pediatric thoracic surface anatomy

Accurate knowledge of surface anatomy is fundamental to safe clinical practice. A paucity of evidence in the literature regarding thoracic surface anatomy in children was identified. The associations between surface landmarks and internal structures were meticulously analyzed by reviewing high quality computed tomography (CT) images of 77 children aged from four days to 12 years. The results confirmed that the sternal angle is an accurate surface landmark for the azygos-superior vena cava junction in a plane through to the level of upper T4 from birth to age four, and to lower T4 in older children. The concavity of the aortic arch was slightly below this plane and the tracheal and pulmonary artery bifurcations were even lower. The cardiac apex was typically at the 5^th intercostal space (ICS) from birth to age four, at the 4^th ICS and 5^th rib in 4-12 year olds, and close to the midclavicular line at all ages. The lower border of the diaphragm was at the level of the 6^th or 7^th rib at the midclavicular line, the 7^th ICS and 8^th rib at the midaxillary line, and the 11^th thoracic vertebra posteriorly. The domes of the diaphragm were generally flatter and lower in children, typically only one rib level higher than its anterior level at the midclavicular line. Diaphragm apertures were most commonly around the level of T9, T10, and T11 for the IVC, esophagus and aorta, respectively. This is the first study to provide an evidence-base for thoracic surface anatomy in children. Clin. Anat. 30:788-794, 2017. © 2017Wiley Periodicals, Inc.