Optimal prediction of the central venous catheter insertion depth on a routine chest x-ray

Evaluation of the position of the central venous catheter tip of implantable venous access devices in the occurrence of postoperative thrombotic and non-thrombotic complications

BACKGROUND

The position of the catheter tip of totally implantable venous access devices (TIVAD) is a risk factor for postoperative complications. The study aim was to assess the early and late complications (EC and LC) associated with the position of the catheter tip in cancer patients.

METHODS

We reviewed cancer patients who had a TIVAD placed in 2020. EC (≤ 90 days), LC (> 90 days) and risk factors for TIVAD-associated complications were assessed. The vertical mismatch of the catheter tip was compared to an "ideal position" (> 10 mm below the carina and ≥ 20 mm below the right main bronchus (RMB)) using chest x-ray, post-implantation.

RESULTS

301 patients were included. Median follow-up after TIVAD implantation was 9.4 months. All TIVAD catheters were inserted via the internal jugular vein (IJV). The mean distance between the catheter tip and the carina and the RMB was 21.3 mm and 6.63 mm respectively. In total, 11.3% patients developed EC and 5.6% had LC. An association was found between the position of the catheter tip from the carina (≤ 10 mm vs. > 10 mm) and the occurrence of EC (18.3% vs. 8.6%, p = 0.01) and for the catheter insertion side (left IJV vs. right IJV) (19.1% vs. 9.0% p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis showed that left IJV catheter insertion (OR 2.76), and a catheter tip located ≤ 10 mm below the carina (OR 2.71) are significant independent risk factors of EC.

CONCLUSIONS

TIVAD catheter tip located at ≤ 10 mm below the carina, and a left-side inserted catheter, are higher risk of EC.

A CT scan-based formula for predicting central venous catheter length in pediatric patients

PURPOSE

Placement of a central venous catheter (CVC) is the most commonly performed pediatric procedure. This study aims to develop simple formulas to calculate intravascular length of CVCs prior to insertion to minimize reliance on fluoroscopic and radiographic imaging, which may not be uniformly available.

METHODS

We performed a single-institution, retrospective review of 115 pediatric patients who received both CVC placement and computed tomography (CT) imaging of the chest within 3 months of the procedure. Using measurements from the CT imaging, formulas calculating the length of the intravascular component of the CVC based on height and insertion laterality were developed and compared to previously published formulas. These formulas were then trialed prospectively to validate reliability and application.

RESULTS

Formulas were developed for right-sided and left subclavian insertion. The right-side formula accurately predicted CVC length in 52.6% of patients, compared to 47.4% by the Andropoulos formula. The left subclavian formula accurately estimated 62.5%, compared to 34.5% by the Stroud formula.

CONCLUSIONS

The optimal intravascular length of central venous catheters may be determined by simple formulas based on patient height and insertion site.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Transesophageal echocardiography-guided implantation of totally implantable venous access devices via the internal jugular vein: retrospective analysis of 297 cases in pediatric patients

BACKGROUND

Accurately positioning totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD) catheters and reducing complications in pediatric patients are important and challenging. A number of studies have shown methods for locating the tip of the TIVAD catheter. We assessed the success and complications of TIVAD implantation guided by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) via the internal jugular vein (IJV) for 294 patients in this retrospective study.

METHODS

From May 2019 to March 2021, 297 cases of TIVADs in our hospital were analyzed in this observational, non-randomized, single-center study. The position of the catheter tip under TEE and chest radiography and rates of periprocedural, early, and late complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

The implantation was successful in 242 (82.3%) cases which was in a proper position, and the results were consistent with those of postoperative chest radiography. A total of 72 complications were recorded. Of these, 1 case had a perioperative complication, 66 had early complications, and 5 had late complications after port implantation. The most common complications were local infection and catheter malposition, namely 10 (13.9%) cases of incision infection and 58 (80.6%) cases of catheter malposition. In total, 6 (8.3%) cases of port explantation were required.

CONCLUSION

Confirmation of proper TIVAD catheter positioning by TEE through an internal jugular approach in children was accurate and safe.

Cardiac tamponade: a rare complication of central venous catheter – a clinical case report

The extensive use of central venous catheters (CVC) in a hospital environment leads to increased iatrogenic complications, as more catheters are used enclosed and its maintenance is prolonged. Several complications are known to be related to central venous catheter, of which the uncommon cardiac tamponade (CT), hardly recognized and associated with high mortality.

We present a clinical case, with favorable outcome, of a patient who developed a CT 17 days after CVC placement, and try to reflect on the measures that can be taken to reduce its incidence, as well as the therapeutic approaches to practice in the presence of a suspected CT.

Electrocardiogram-guided Technique: An Alternative Method for Confirming Central Venous Catheter Tip Placement

Background

The current standard followed for assessing central venous catheter (CVC) tip placement location is through radiological confirmation using chest X-ray (CXR). Placement of CVCs under electrocardiogram (ECG) guidance may save cost and time compared to CXR.

Objective

The objective of this study is to compare the accurate placement of the CVC tip using anatomical landmark technique with ECG-guided technique. Another objective is to compare CVC placement time and postprocedural complications between the two techniques.

Methods and Materials

A total of 144 adult individuals, who were critically ill and required CVC placement in the Emergency Department, were included for the study. Study duration was 6 months. Anatomical landmark and ECG-guided groups were assigned 72 participants each. Analyses were performed using t and Chi square-tests.

Results

It was observed that 13 (18%) in the landmark technique were malpositioned as compared to none in the ECG-guided technique (P = 0.000). The landmark group had 22 (30.6%) participants with arrhythmias during the procedure, compared to none in the ECG-guided group (P = 0.000). The landmark group revealed that 30 (41.7%) of the CVC were overinserted and required immediate repositioning, compared to none in the ECG-guided group (P = 0.000).

Conclusion

ECG-guided technique was found to be more accurate for CVC tip placement than the anatomical landmark technique. Furthermore, the ECG-guided technique was more time-effective and had less complications than the anatomical landmark technique. Hence, ECG-guided CVC placement is relatively accurate, efficient, and safe and can be considered as an alternative method to conventional radiography for confirmation of CVC tip placement.

[Cardiac tamponade: a rare complication of central venous catheter - a clinical case report]

The extensive use of central venous catheters (CVC) in a hospital environment leads to increased iatrogenic complications, as more catheters are used enclosed and its maintenance is prolonged. Several complications are known to be related to central venous catheter, of which the uncommon cardiac tamponade (CT), hardly recognized and associated with high mortality. We present a clinical case, with favorable outcome, of a patient who developed a CT 17 days after CVC placement, and try to reflect on the measures that can be taken to reduce its incidence, as well as the therapeutic approaches to practice in the presence of a suspected CT.

Misplaced subclavian central venous catheter

Percutaneous Central Venous Catheter (CVC) insertion using internal jugular and Subclavian veins routes is common procedure for all intensive care admitted patients and some patients in the ward as demand arises in central and referral hospitals of Botswana. This is a case report of a patient on whom a third attempt of re-inserting a CVC for fluid and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was made. X-ray showed that left Subclavian inserted catheter was mis-directed to internal jugular vein of the same side creating discomfort to the patient. Ultra sound is recommended for routine investigation to confirm proper Central venous catheter placement as it can reduce failure, minimize complication and reduce cost of treatment.

The pericardial reflection and the tip of the central venous catheter - topographical analysis in stillborn babies

BACKGROUND

Central venous cannulation is widely used in neonatal critical care. Pericardial tamponade caused by vessel wall perforation can occur if the catheter tip induces extravasation at the level of the pericardium.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the level of the superior pericardial reflection in stillborn babies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We dissected 20 bodies (11 female, mean gestational age 33 6/7 weeks, range 25-43 weeks), with careful opening of the thoracic area. After injecting contrast medium into the pericardial sac, we introduced a catheter through the right internal jugular vein. We then took radiographs to analyse the relationship between visual osseous landmarks and the pericardium.

RESULTS

Mean distance between the pericardial reflection at its upper end and the first thoracic vertebra was 1.3 cm (standard deviation [SD]: 0.3 cm) and did not extend over the 3rd intercostal space. The mean distance from the entry of the superior vena cava into the pericardial sac and the 1st thoracic vertebra was 2.3 cm (SD: 0.5).

CONCLUSION

The upper end of the pericardial reflection in neonates at autopsy lies below the middle of the 3rd thoracic vertebra. The tip of an upper inserted catheter should not extend below the level of the 3rd intercostal space.

Estimation of catheter insertion depth during ultrasound-guided subclavian venous catheterization

BACKGROUND

Several methods have been used to predict the optimal depth of central venous catheter (CVC) tip position when using the anatomical landmark technique. In the present study, we devised a simple formula to predict CVC depth using ultrasound images and chest X-ray (CXR) in patients undergoing ultrasound-guided subclavian venous catheterization.

METHODS

Central venous catheterization via the subclavian vein was performed under ultrasound guidance. We measured five parameters to determine the distance between the needle insertion point and the CVC tip: insertion point to vein puncture point (A), insertion point to a skin point indicating a vertical position above the vein puncture point (B), insertion point to the clavicular notch (C), clavicular notch to the carina (D), and catheter tip to carina (E). Catheter insertion depth was then determined as follows: calculated catheter insertion depth = A - B + C + D; actual catheter insertion depth = (A - B + C + D) + E.

RESULTS

The calculated CVC insertion depth (mean ± SD) was 15.4 ± 1.5 cm from the needle insertion point to the carina [95 % confidence interval (CI) 15.0-15.9 cm]. Actual depth was 15.4 ± 1.5 cm (95 % CI 15.0-15.9 cm). No significant difference was observed between the calculated CVC insertion depth and the actual distance from the needle insertion point to the carina (p = 0.940).

CONCLUSIONS

The appropriate length of a CVC inserted through the subclavian vein can be estimated by a formula using ultrasound images and CXR.

Simple formulas to determine optimal subclavian central venous catheter tip placement in infants and children

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Optimal central venous catheter (CVC) tip location is necessary to decrease the incidence of complications related to their use. We sought to create a practical method to reliably predict the length of catheter to insert into the subclavian vein during CVC placement in children.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of 727 chest radiographs of children who underwent either left or right subclavian CVC placement. We measured the distance from the subclavian entry site to the to the right atrium/superior vena cava (RA/SVC) junction, following the catheter's course. We analyzed the relationship between that length and patient characteristics, including: age, gender, height, weight and body surface area (BSA).

RESULTS

Two derived formulas using the BSA best correlated with the optimal subclavian CVC length. For the left subclavian vein approach, the optimal catheter length was 6.5 BSA+7 cm, and for the right subclavian vein approach it was 5 BSA+6. The use of these formulas correlated in CVC tip placement in a clinically proper location in 92.9% of smaller children and in 95.7% of larger children.

CONCLUSION

The optimal length of central venous catheter to insert into the subclavian vein may be determined through the use of a simple formula using the BSA.

The carina is approximately 1-2 cm above the pericardial reflection among Chinese patients

BACKGROUND

Central venous catheters (CVCs) and central venous pressure (CVP) monitor is essential in fluid resuscitation and management for critically ill patients. Accuracy of the CVP is mainly dependent on the proper position of the catheter tip. Although the X-ray visible carina was generally recommended as the alternative of pericardial reflection (PR) to guide the placement of CVCs, few data was available with respect to the distance between the carina and PR among Chinese patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the topographic relationship between the trachea carina and PR among Chinese patients by using computed tomography (CT) images.

METHODS

CT images of 172 patients who underwent CT pulmonary angiogram or CT angiogram for aorta from January 1, 2013 to November 30, 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Distances between upper margin of the right clavicular notch, trachea carina, PR and atriocaval junction (ACJ) were calculated using the table positions on axial images.

RESULTS

The mean length of extrapericardial superior vena cava (SVC) was 2.5 cm. For all patients, the PR was lower than the carina by average 1.6 cm.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the PR was average 1.6 cm lower than the carina among Chinese patients, placing the CVCs tip approximate 1.6 cm lower the carina among Chinese patients would be more likely to result in a satisfactory placement.