Late Cardiac Tamponade in Adults Secondary to Tip Position in the Right Atrium: An Urban Legend? A Systematic Review of the Literature

The diverse technical choices during the implantation of the totally implantable venous access ports: A review

Although the implantation of the totally implantable venous access ports globally is increasingly sophisticated, there is still a dearth of absolute standardization in the technical choice of each surgical step, with numerous technologies demonstrating significant applicability. This review comprehensively summarizes the diverse choices of implantation procedural techniques related to the pocket location, vein access, port specification, catheterization method, puncture guidance, single-incision technique, catheter tip positioning method, port fixation, skin closure, and first-use period. The aim is to provide surgeons with alternative options when they encounter different problems in each procedure due to the diverse clinical characteristics of patients during venous port implantation.

Feasibility of a new ultrasound guided procedure to ensure the correct position of the central venous catheter tip

BACKGROUND

Safety of central venous catheter (CVC) placement relies on some general aspects, including selection of the right vessel, correct lumen targeting while inserting the needle, check the position of catheter tip, and post-procedure check for complications. All these four points can be guided by bedside ultrasound, but the best technique to ensure the position of the CVC tip is still uncertain.

METHODS

We investigated feasibility of a novel ultrasound technique consisting of focused view of guidewire tip in the cavoatrial junction (CAJ) to calculate the CVC depth in adult patients needing CVC placement in emergency. Direct visualization of the guidewire in the CAJ was used to calculate how deep the CVC needed to be inserted. In those patients without a valid CAJ window, a bubble test in the right atrium was performed to position the CVC tip. In all cases chest radiography confirmed the CVC position.

RESULTS

The procedure was performed in 37 patients and CVC was correctly placed in all cases. Within the group, in 25 patients the CVC depth (21.5 ± 6.0 cm) was successfully measured. In other 11 patients the correct CVC tip position was confirmed by the bubble test. In only one case it was not possible to use ultrasound for incomplete CAJ and right atrium views.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the feasibility of a new ultrasound method to ensure the correct CVC tip position. This protocol could potentially become a standard method reducing costs, post-procedural irradiation, and time of CVC placement in emergency.

Complications of epicutaneo-caval catheters: Pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade in three preterm infants

In the neonatal intensive care units (NICU), epicutaneo-caval catheters (ECCs) are common alternative vascular routes. Pericardial effusion (PCE) and cardiac tamponade (CT) are rare but serious complications in infants with ECCs. It may be asymptomatic or present with a variety of significant clinical signs, including dyspnea, bradycardia, sudden asystole, and hypotension. If untreated, PCE can be fatal. This report presents, three cases of ECC-associated PCE/CT during NICU stay. All three patients were born before 30 weeks of gestation and weighed less than 1500 g. Echocardiography was used for diagnosis all patients. PCE/CT was detected incidentally in one patient and after hemodynamic deterioration in the other two. In one patient, CT was developed due to catheter malposition, and the other two patient, the catheter tip was found in the right atrium. PCE did not recur in any of the patients after pericardial fluid was drained and the catheters were removed. No PCE/CT-related deaths were observed. In all three patients, X-ray was used to evaluate the location of the catheter tips. However, after clinical deterioration, echocardiography showed that in the first two cases the tips were actually in the right atrium. Real-time ultrasound was suggested with strong evidence to evaluate the location of the catheter tip and to detect secondary malapposition. PCE/CT should be considered in the presence of unexplained and refractory respiratory distress, abnormal heart rate and blood pressure, and metabolic acidosis in a neonate with ECC. Early diagnosis and prompt pericardiocentesis are essential to reduce mortality and improve prognosis. Prospective studies with educational interventions should be designed to demonstrate that the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can be easily acquired and may reduce complications.

A narrative review on tip navigation and tip location of central venous access devices in the neonate: Intracavitary ECG or real time ultrasound?

The proper location of the tip of a central venous access device plays a crucial role in minimizing the risks potentially associated with its use. Recent guidelines strongly recommend preferring real-time, intra-procedural methods of tip location since they are more accurate, more reliable and more cost-effective than post-procedural methods. Intracavitary electrocardiography and real time ultrasound can both be applied in the neonatal setting, but they offer different advantages or disadvantages depending on the type of central venous access device. Reviewing the evidence currently available about the use of these two methods in neonates, in terms of applicability, feasibility and accuracy, it can be concluded that (a) real time ultrasound is the only acceptable methodology for tip navigation for any central venous access device in neonates, (b) intracavitary electrocardiography is the preferred method of tip location for central catheters inserted by ultrasound-guided cannulation of the internal jugular vein or the brachiocephalic vein, and (c) real time ultrasound is the preferred method of tip location for umbilical venous catheters, epicutaneo-cava catheters, and central catheters inserted by ultrasound-guided cannulation of the common femoral vein.

A comparison between two radiological criteria for verifying tip location of central venous catheters

INTRODUCTION

Current guidelines recommend intraprocedural methods-such as Intra-Cavitary ECG (IC-ECG) and echocardiography-for verifying the location of the tip of central venous catheters. Nonetheless, there are clinical conditions which may require to verify tip location by less accurate methods such as Chest X-Ray (CXR). We have compared the feasibility and accuracy of two radiological methods for tip location-the Sweet Spot Criterion (SSC) and the Carina Criterion (CC)-using IC-ECG as reference.

METHODS

In this retrospective multicenter study, we reviewed the radiology databases of three hospitals, examining all CXRs performed on patients after insertion of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs), as long as the tip location had been successfully performed during the procedure by IC-ECG. Tip location was verified using SSC and CC, comparing the two methods in terms of feasibility and accuracy.

RESULTS

We reviewed the CXR of 1116 PICCs successfully inserted by IC-ECG. CC was not feasible in 0.5% (impossible visualization of the carina) and difficult in 1.5%; in 97.7% of cases, the position of the tip was adequate (1-5 cm below the carina), in 0.6% too high (<1 cm), in 1.2% too low (6-9 cm). On the other hand, because of unclear visualization of radiological landmarks, SSC was not feasible in 0.9% and difficult in 10.5%; though, according to SSC the tip location was always acceptable (in 94.2% the tip was in the middle of the spot, in 2.5% close to the superior border, and in 2.3% close to the inferior border); no tip was visualized outside of the spot.

CONCLUSION

CC and SSC were similar in terms of feasibility (99.5% vs 99.1%) and accuracy (98.1% vs 100%), though CC was subjectively perceived to be easier and more rapid to perform.

Feasibility and Safety of a Technique Intended to Place the Catheter Tip in the Right Atrium without Abutment Against the Cardiac Wall during Implantation of the Totally Implantable Venous Access Port

Purpose

To assess the safety and feasibility of intentionally positioning the catheter tip in the right atrium (RA) without an abutment during implantation of a totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP).

Materials and Methods

We enrolled 330 patients who had undergone TIVAP implantation between January and December 2016 and postoperative chest CT. The TIVAP was placed using the single-incision technique to access the axillary vein directly from the incision line. To position the catheter tip in the RA without abutment, blood return was checked before cutting. Catheter length and complications were evaluated by retrospectively reviewing medical images and records.

Results

All patients achieved successful catheter tip positioning without abutment or dysfunction. The median tip position was 15.3 mm distal to the cavoatrial junction (CAJ) on fluoroscopy and 6 mm distal to the CAJ on CT. Catheter tips migrated a median of 10.4 mm cephalically on CT compared to fluoroscopy. Thromboses were detected in the RA and superior vena cava in one patient each.

Conclusion

Intentional catheter tip positioning in the RA without abutment is a safe and feasible technique with a low incidence of thrombosis and no observed dysfunction.

The value of transthoracic echocardiography and chest X-ray in locating the tip of central venous catheter in dialysis patients: a comparative study with computed tomography imaging

To determine the tip position of the central venous catheter (CVC) in patients with dialysis, the guidelines recommend that it be determined using chest radiography (CXR) after catheterization, without fluoroscopy. However, some researchers have proposed that transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) can replace CXR, but this has not been widely adopted. This study aimed to determine which of the two aforementioned methods is more suitable for locating the tip position of the CVC. This prospective study included 160 patients who underwent hemodialysis at our hospital from March 2021 to December 2022. After inserting the CVC through the internal jugular vein, we used transthoracic echocardiography and CXR to determine the tip of the CVC and compared the results with those of computed tomography (CT). In the comparison between TTE and CXR for locating the CVC tip, we obtained three main findings. (1) TTE was associated with fewer misdiagnosed cases than CXR. (2) TTE provided higher sensitivity (similar sensitivity in position 2), specificity, positive/negative predictive values, and accuracy than CXR. (3) When comparing the receiver operating characteristic curves of TTE and CXR, the area under the curve (95% confidence interval) for the former was larger. Additionally, we made anatomical discoveries: the "hyperechoic triangle" recognized by TTE was equivalent to the entrance of the superior vena cava into the right atrium shown by transesophageal transthoracic echocardiography. TTE is more suitable than CXR as the first examination for CVC tip localization, as it improves diagnostic accuracy and reduces X-ray radiation damage.

Central venous catheters: Which, when and how

Short-term or long-term CVCs are now considered the standard of practice for the administration of chemotherapy, fluid therapy, antibiotic therapy, and parenteral nutrition. Central venous access catheters are broadly divided into tunneled or non-tunneled catheters. Tunneled catheters can be further subdivided into totally implanted and totally not implanted devices. Device selection generally depends on various factors such as availability of peripheral veins, expected duration of therapy, and desired flow rate. Ultrasound-guided access is the safest technique for central venous access compared to the landmark technique and departments should strive to for a 100% ultrasound guided access. This review gives a basic overview of the differences of CVC catheters including PICCs, Hickman-catheters and port-catheters along with the criteria for CVC selection. It will also describe technical tips on placement of CVCs. Finally, it aims to highlight complications which are associated with CVC placement and options to treat or prevent them.

The intracavitary ECG method for tip location of ultrasound-guided centrally inserted central catheter in neonates

BACKGROUND

The correct position of the tip of a central venous access device is important in all patients, and especially in neonates. The traditional method of tip location (approximated intra-procedural length estimation + post procedural chest X-ray) is currently considered inaccurate and not cost-effective by most recent guidelines, which recommend the adoption of tip location by intracavitary electrocardiography (IC-ECG) whenever possible.

METHODS

This study prospectively investigated the applicability, the feasibility, the accuracy, and the safety IC-ECG for tip location in neonates requiring insertion of ultrasound-guided centrally inserted central venous catheters (CICCs) with caliber 3Fr or more. All catheter tip locations were verified using simultaneously both IC-ECG and ultrasound-based tip location, using the Neo-ECHOTIP protocol.

RESULTS

A total of 105 neonates were enrolled. The applicability of IC-ECG was 100% since a P wave was evident on the surface ECG of all neonates recruited for the study. The feasibility was also 100% since an increase of the P-wave was detected in all cases. The accuracy was also 100%, since a perfect match between IC-ECG based tip location and ultrasound-based tip location was found. There were no adverse events directly or indirectly related to the IC-ECG technique; no arrhythmias occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

When applied to ultrasound guided CICCs, tip location by IC-ECG is applicable and feasible in neonates, and it is safe and accurate.

Identifying the impact of the Zone Insertion MethodTM (ZIMTM): A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

In 2011, Dawson proposed the Zone Insertion MethodTM (ZIMTM) to identify the optimal peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) insertion site in the upper arm. However, data on the effectiveness and safety of the ZIMTM in guiding PICC placement in Chinese population is limited.

METHODS

In this randomized controlled trial, 120 cancer patients were randomly assigned to the upper portion of the red zone (RZ), the green zone (GZ) and the lower portion of the yellow zone (YZ) groups (at a 1:1:1 ratio). The aim was to compare the degree of patient comfort and the incidence of major PICC complications among the three insertion zones based on the ZIMTM in a Chinese Cancer Center. (Clinical Trials. Gov number, ChiCTR1900024111).

RESULTS

A total of 118 catheters were inserted in 118 patients (2 patients were lost to follow-up). After the 1-month follow-up, patients randomly assigned to the YZ group had a higher degree of comfort with a lower score than those assigned to the other two zone groups: 30.21±3.16 in the YZ group versus 31.65±2.51 in the RZ group and 31.59±2.92 in the GZ group (P=.046). The incidence of thrombosis (10/40, 25%) and occlusion (4/40, 10%) in the RZ, which were significantly higher than those in the other two zone groups (χ2 =7.368, P=.02; χ2 =5.778, P =.03), whereas the risk in the GZ group was similar to that in the YZ group. The incidence of contact dermatitis in the GZ group was significantly higher than that of the other two zone groups (χ2=12.873, P=.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that the lower portion of YZ seems to be another suitable PICC insertion site for a higher degree of comfort and a lower risk of occlusion and thrombosis, which broadens the choice of PICC insertion sites in the upper arm for clinical practice.

Central catheter tip migration in critically ill patients

OBJECTIVES

Chest X-ray (CXR) is routinely required for assessing Central Venous Catheter (CVC) tip position after insertion, but there is limited data as to the movement of the tip location during hospitalization. We aimed to assess the migration of Central Venous Catheter (CVC) position, as a significant movement of catheter tip location may challenge some of the daily practice after insertion.

DESIGN AND SETTINGS

Retrospective, single-center study, conducted in the Intensive Care and Cardiovascular Intensive Care Units in Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center 'Ichilov', Israel, between January and June 2019.

PATIENTS

We identified 101 patients with a CVC in the Right Internal Jugular (RIJ) with at least two CXRs during hospitalization.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

For each patient, we measured the CVC tip position below the carina level in the first and all consecutive CXRs. The average initial tip position was 1.52 (±1.9) cm (mean±SD) below the carina. The maximal migration distance from the initial insertion position was 1.9 (±1) cm (mean±SD). During follow-up of 2 to 5 days, 92% of all subject's CVCs remained within the range of the Superior Vena Cava to the top of the right atrium, regardless of the initial positioning.

CONCLUSIONS

CVC tip position can migrate significantly during a patient's early hospitalization period regardless of primary location, although for most patients it will remain within a wide range of the top of the right atrium and the middle of the Superior Vena Cava (SVC), if accepted as well-positioned.

"Optimal" Central Venous Catheter Tip Position Does Not Increase Catheter Duration: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background Central venous cannulation provides venous access in different settings. Multiple guidelines and checklists still recommend confirmation of central venous catheter (CVC) tip position using a chest radiograph. The rationale is to detect and prevent complications thus optimizing CVC placement. Our primary hypothesis is that confirmation of catheter tip position by chest radiograph is not associated with increased catheter duration. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 921 patients included. Demographic, procedure and catheter data was obtained from adult patients that placed a CVC in the operating room. The catheter tip was independently classified as "optimal" or "malpositioned" independently by two researchers. Results Data from 921 CVC placements was collected. Patients who had a post-procedure chest radiograph (n=682, 74.0%) differed from those who did not in terms of co-morbidities (p=0.030), indication for CVC (p=0.023), duration of placement (p<0.001), number of punctured veins (p=0.036) and use of ultrasound (p<0.001). There was substantial agreement between researchers when classifying CVC tip as "optimal" or "malpositioned" (κ=0.632, p<0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between duration or complications of "optimal" CVCs compared to unknown tip/"malpositioned" CVCs. This study showed a 99% rate of clinically redundant chest radiographs according to Pikwer's criteria for radiographic examination. Conclusion No difference was found regarding catheter duration or complications when comparing "optimal" and unknown/"malpositioned" tip. This study illustrates some consequences of post-procedure radiographs and reinforces that the risks/benefits should be weighed and that chest radiograph should not be done by routine.

Accuracy of Catheter Positioning during Left Subclavian Venous Access: A Randomized Comparison between Radiological and Topographical Landmarks

Left subclavian venous access increases the risk of vascular damage and thrombosis based on the catheter course and location of the catheter tip. We investigated the accuracy of tip positioning with conventional landmarks using transesophageal echocardiography. The carina as a radiological landmark and the right third intercostal space as a topographical landmark were selected for tip positioning within the target zone, defined as 2 cm above and 1 cm below the right atrial junction. A total of 120 participants were randomized into two groups. The catheter insertion depth was determined as 1.5 cm more than the distance between the venous insertion point and the carina via the right first intercostal space in the radiological group, and between the venous insertion point and the right third intercostal space via the right first intercostal space in the topographical group. The determined insertion depth and actual distance to the right atrial junction of the radiological and topographical groups were 19.5 cm and 20.5 cm, and 19.8 cm and 20.4 cm, respectively. Acceptable positioning was more frequent in the topographical group (96.4% vs. 85.7%; p = 0.047). The catheter tip is more accurately positioned in the distal superior vena cava using topographical landmarks than radiological landmarks.

Clinical Practices in Central Venous Catheter Mechanical Adverse Events

Background: Over 5 million central venous catheters (CVCs) are placed annually. Pneumothorax and catheter malpositioning are common adverse events (AE) that requires attention. This study aims to evaluate local practices of mechanical complication frequency, type, and subsequent intervention(s) related to mechanical AE with an emphasis on catheter malpositioning. Methods: This is a retrospective review of CVC placements in a tertiary hospital setting from 1/2013 to 12/2013. Pneumothorax and CVC positioning were evaluated on post-insertion chest x-ray (CXR). Malposition was defined as unintended placement of the catheter in a vessel other than the intended superior vena cava on CXR. Catheter reposition was defined as radiographic evidence of a new catheter with removal of the old catheter less than 24hrs after initial placement. Data points analyzed included pneumothorax and thoracostomy rate, CVC malposition frequency, catheter reposition rate, catheter duration, and incidence of complications such as catheter associated venous thrombosis. Result: Among 2045 eligible CVC insertions, pneumothoraces occurred in 14 (0.7%; 95%CI 0.38, 1.17) and malpositions were identified in 275 (13.4%; 95% CI 12.3, 15.3). The proportion of pneumothoraces that required tube thoracostomy was 57%. The proportion of CVCs with malposition that were removed or replaced within 24h was 32.7%. "Malpositioned" catheters that were left in place by the clinical team (n = 185) had an average catheter duration of 8.2 days (95% CI 7.2, 9.3) versus 7.2 days (95% CI 6.17, 8.23) for catheters that were replaced after initial malposition (p = 0.14, t test). The incidence of venous thrombosis in repositioned "malpositioned" catheters was 7.8% versus 4.9% for "malpositioned" catheters that were left in place. Conclusions: Clinically significant catheter malposition and pneumothorax after CVC insertion are low. In this study, replaced and non-replaced "malpositioned" catheters had similar catheter duration and rates of complications, challenging the current dogma of CVC malposition practice.

Retrospective Assessment of Patient and Catheter Characteristics Associated With Malpositioned Central Venous Catheters in Pediatric Patients

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to determine the prevalence and characteristics associated with malpositioned temporary, nontunneled central venous catheters (CVCs) placed via the internal jugular (IJ) and subclavian (SC) veins in pediatric patients.

DESIGN

Single-center retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Quaternary academic PICU.

PATIENTS

Children greater than 1 month to less than 18 years who had a CVC placed between January 2014 and December 2018.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary outcome was the CVC tip position located on the first postprocedural radiograph. CVC tip was defined as follows: "recommended" (tip location between the carina and two vertebral bodies inferior to the carina), "high" (tip location between one and four vertebral bodies superior to the carina), "low" (tip position three or more vertebral bodies inferior to the carina), and "other" (tip grossly malpositioned). Seven hundred eighty-one CVCs were included: 481 (61.6%) were in "recommended" position, 157 (20.1%) were "high," 131 (16.8%) were "low," and 12 (1.5%) were "other." Multiple multinomial regression (referenced to "recommended" position) showed that left-sided catheters (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.00, 95% CI 1.17-3.40) were associated with "high" CVC tip positions, whereas weight greater than or equal to 40 kg had decreased odds of having a "high" CVC tip compared with the reference (aOR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.24-0.83). Further, weight category 20-40 kg (aOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.38-4.23) and females (aOR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.01-2.26) were associated with "low" CVC tip positions. There was no difference in rates of central line-associated blood stream infection, venous thromboembolism, or tissue plasminogen activator usage or dose between the CVCs with tips outside and those within the recommended location.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of IJ and SC CVC tips outside of the recommended location was high. Left-sided catheters, patient weight, and sex were associated with malposition. Malpositioned catheters were not associated with increased harm.

Inadvertent Arterial Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Insertion With Corresponding Electrocardiographic Tracings: A Case Report

Electrocardiographic (ECG) tip confirmation is a validated technique to place the distal tip of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in the distal superior vena cava at or near the cavoatrial junction during point-of-care insertions. This case report discusses an inadvertent arterial PICC placement despite navigation technology demonstrating similar confirmatory ECG changes seen in standard venous insertions. The findings demonstrate that ECG navigation technology should not be used to rule out arterial PICC placement.

Central Venous Catheters for Hemodialysis-the Myth and the Evidence

Hemodialysis-central venous catheter (HD-CVC) insertion is a most often performed procedure, with approximately 80% of patients with end-stage kidney disease in the United States initiating kidney replacement therapy through a HD-CVC. Certain adverse events arising from HD-CVC placement, including catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSIs), thrombosis, and central vein stenosis, can complicate the clinical course of patients and lead to considerable financial impact on the health care system. Medical professionals with different training backgrounds are responsible for performing this procedure, and therefore, comprehensive operator guidelines are crucial to improve the success rate of HD-CVC insertion and prevent complications. In this review article, we not only discuss the basic principles behind the use of HD-CVCs but also address frequently asked questions and myths regarding catheter asepsis, length selection, tip positioning, and flow rate assessment.

The Use of POCUS to Manage ICU Patients With COVID-19

Since the advent of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, clinicians have had to modify how they provide high-value care while mitigating the risk of viral spread. Routine imaging studies have been discouraged due to elevated transmission risk. Patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 often have a protracted hospital course with progression of disease. Given the need for close follow-up of patients, we recommend the use of ultrasonography, particularly point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), to manage patients with COVID-19 through their entire ICU course. POCUS will allow a clinician to evaluate and monitor cardiac and pulmonary function, as well as evaluate for thromboembolic disease, place an endotracheal tube, confirm central venous catheter placement, and rule out a pneumothorax. If a patient improves sufficiently to perform weaning trials, POCUS can also help evaluate readiness for ventilator liberation.

An ECG method for positioning the tip of a PICC in "mirror people" with dextrocardia: A case report

Intracavitary electrocardiogram (ECG) has been widely used for PICC tip positioning in patients with a normal left heart. However, there is little information about using ECG for PICC insertion in patients with mirror dextrocardia. We report a 70-year-old stomach cancer patient with mirror dextrocardia admitted to our vascular access center for four Fr silicon Groshong PICC insertion. We successfully performed an ultrasound-guided modified Seldinger technique for insertion. First, the usual standardized ECG technique was used for tip positioning, and it failed. Then, we changed the procedure slightly, using the opposite electrode connections (RA: the first intercostal space of the midline of the left clavicle; LA: the first intercostal space of the midline of the right clavicle; and LL: the inferior margin of the right costal arch) to obtain an evident P-wave change to guide catheter placement in this case. We confirm that we can use the opposite electrodes to obtain an apparent P-wave for locating the catheter tip in patients with mirror dextrocardia.

Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound to Confirm Central Venous Catheter Placement and Evaluate for Postprocedural Complications

BACKGROUND

Central venous catheter (CVC) placement is commonly performed in the emergency department (ED), but traditional confirmation of placement includes chest radiograph.

OBJECTIVE

This manuscript details the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to confirm placement of a CVC and evaluate for postprocedural complications.

DISCUSSION

CVC access in the ED setting is an important procedure. Traditional confirmation includes chest radiograph. POCUS is a rapid, inexpensive, and accurate modality to confirm CVC placement and evaluate for postprocedural complications. POCUS after CVC can evaluate lung sliding for pneumothorax and the internal jugular vein for misdirected CVC. A bubble study with POCUS visualizing agitated saline microbubbles within the right heart can confirm venous placement.

CONCLUSIONS

POCUS can rapidly and reliably confirm CVC placement, as well as evaluate for postprocedural complications. Knowledge of this technique can assist emergency clinicians.

Chest radiography for simplified evaluation of central venous catheter tip positioning for safe and accurate haemodynamic monitoring: a retrospective observational study

OBJECTIVES

The tip-to-carina (TC) distance on a simple chest X-ray (CXR) has proven value in the determination of correct central venous catheter (CVC) positioning. However, previous studies have mostly focused on preventing the atrial insertion of the CVC tip, and not on appropriate positioning for accurate haemodynamic monitoring. We aimed to assess whether the TC distance could detect the passage of the CVC tip into the superior vena cava (SVC) and the right atrium (RA), and to accordingly suggest cut-off reference values for these two aspects.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational cohort study.

SETTING

Single urban tertiary level academic hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

479 patients who underwent CXR and chest CT scan after the insertion of a CVC with a 24-hour interval during the study period.

INTERVENTION

The TC distance was measured on CXR, and the position of the CVC tip was assessed on the chest CT images. The TC distance was described as a negative or positive number if the CVC tip was above or below the carina, respectively. Receiver-operating characteristics curve analyses were conducted to ascertain the TC distance to detect SVC entrance and RA insertion of CVC tip.

RESULTS

The TC distance could significantly detect both SVC entrance and RA insertion (p<0.001 for both; area under curve 0.987 and 0.965, respectively), with a reference range of -6.69 to 15.61 mm.

CONCLUSION

The TC distance in CXR is a simple and precise method to confirm not only the safe placement of the CVC tip but also its optimal positioning for accurate haemodynamic monitoring.

The application of intracavitary electrocardiogram for tip location of femoral vein catheters in chemotherapy patients with superior vena cava obstruction

BACKGROUND

Most studies focused on the application of intracavitary electrocardiogram (IC-ECG) location in superior vena cava access catheterization, this study aimed to explore the effect of IC-ECG for tip location of femoral vein catheters in chemotherapy patients with superior vena cava obstruction (SVCO).

METHODS

A total of 158 patients placed catheters through superficial femoral vein from July 2016 to May 2019 were enrolled in the randomized controlled study. The patients were divided into two groups by envelope lottery method: X-ray location was used in the control group (n = 79); IC-ECG location was used in the observation group (n = 79). The catheters should be located at or near the inferior vena cava (IVC)-right atrium (RA) junction (above the level of diaphragm within the IVC). The general information of patients, clinical catheterization effects and catheter-related complications were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

No significant differences in general information, catheter obstruction, catheter-related thrombosis, catheter exit-site bleeding and infection were found between the groups. The rate of successful insertion at the first attempt and patient satisfaction in the observation group were significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). The time and cost of location and the incidence of catheter-related complications in the control group were 32.57 min and 140.51 Yuan and 21.5%, which were significantly higher than 6.94 min and 13.59 Yuan and 7.6% in the observation group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

IC-ECG accurately located the tip of femoral vein catheters, reduced the incidence of catheter-related complications and the time and cost of location, improved patient satisfaction.

Ultrasound to Detect Central Venous Catheter Placement Associated Complications: A Multicenter Diagnostic Accuracy Study

BACKGROUND

Mechanical complications arising after central venous catheter placement are mostly malposition or pneumothorax. To date, to confirm correct position and detect pneumothorax, chest x-ray film has been the reference standard, while ultrasound might be an accurate alternative. The aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound to detect central venous catheter malposition and pneumothorax.

METHODS

This was a prospective, multicenter, diagnostic accuracy study conducted at the intensive care unit and postanesthesia care unit. Adult patients who underwent central venous catheterization of the internal jugular vein or subclavian vein were included. Index test consisted of venous, cardiac, and lung ultrasound. Standard reference test was chest x-ray film. Primary outcome was diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound to detect malposition and pneumothorax; for malposition, sensitivity, specificity, and other accuracy parameters were estimated. For pneumothorax, because chest x-ray film is an inaccurate reference standard to diagnose it, agreement and Cohen's κ-coefficient were determined. Secondary outcomes were accuracy of ultrasound to detect clinically relevant complications and feasibility of ultrasound.

RESULTS

In total, 758 central venous catheterizations were included. Malposition occurred in 23 (3.3%) out of 688 cases included in the analysis. Ultrasound sensitivity was 0.70 (95% CI, 0.49 to 0.86) and specificity 0.99 (95% CI, 0.98 to 1.00). Pneumothorax occurred in 5 (0.7%) to 11 (1.5%) out of 756 cases according to chest x-ray film and ultrasound, respectively. In 748 out of 756 cases (98.9%), there was agreement between ultrasound and chest x-ray film with a Cohen's κ-coefficient of 0.50 (95% CI, 0.19 to 0.80).

CONCLUSIONS

This multicenter study shows that the complication rate of central venous catheterization is low and that ultrasound produces a moderate sensitivity and high specificity to detect malposition. There is moderate agreement with chest x-ray film for pneumothorax. In conclusion, ultrasound is an accurate diagnostic modality to detect malposition and pneumothorax.

Comparison between ultrasonography and X-ray as evaluation methods of central venous catheter positioning and their complications in pediatrics

PURPOSE

This study evaluates the capacity of ultrasonography as a diagnostic method to confirm the proper positioning of central venous catheter (CVC) when compared to the current gold standard, chest radiography (CR).

METHODS

A prospective study was performed including children from 0 to 14 incomplete years, who underwent CVC placement between March and May 2018 at a teaching hospital in Brazil. A four-chamber view of the heart was performed with ultrasound during a rapid injection of saline solution to identify hyperechoic images and confirm the central position of the catheter. After that, a CR was performed. The diagnostic quality of ultrasound was evaluated based on accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values.

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 3.95 ± 4.01 years. The preferred puncture site was the right internal jugular vein (71.4%). Ultrasound accuracy to detect CVC positioning was 81%. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were 33%, 100%, 100% and 79%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound is a reliable method for detection of CVC positioning. Even so, with the four-chamber cardiac view, this method is unable to identify catheters inside heart chambers, therefore, needing to confirm the positioning with CR.

Transthoracic echocardiography as bedside technique to verify tip location of central venous catheters in patients with atrial arrhythmia

Introduction:

Transthoracic echocardiography with bubble test is an accurate, reproducible, and safe technique to verify the location of the tip of the central venous catheter. The aim of this study is to confirm the effectiveness of this method for tip location in patients with atrial arrhythmia.

Methods:

Transthoracic echocardiography with bubble test was adopted as a method of tip location in patients with atrial arrhythmia requiring central venous catheter. If bubbles were evident in the right atrium in less than 2 s after simple saline injection, tip placement was assumed as correct. In cases of uncertain visualization of the bubble effect, the test was repeated injecting a saline–air mixture. Tip location was also assessed by post-procedural chest X-ray.

Results:

In 42 patients with no evident P-wave at the electrocardiography, we placed 34 centrally inserted central catheters and 8 peripherally inserted central catheters. Transthoracic echocardiography with bubble test detected two centrally inserted central catheter malpositions. In four patients with peripherally inserted central catheter, transthoracic echocardiography with bubble test was positive only when repeated with the saline–air mixture. When the transthoracic echocardiography was positive, the mean (±standard deviation) time for onset of the bubble effect was 0.89 ± 0.33 s in patients with centrally inserted central catheter and 1.1 ± 0.20 s in those with peripherally inserted central catheter; such time difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Tip location of central venous catheter by transthoracic echocardiography with bubble test is feasible, safe, and accurate in patients with atrial arrhythmia. This method can also be applied in peripherally inserted central catheters; however, further studies may be needed to confirm its use in this type of catheters.

Impact of body posture change on peripherally inserted central catheter tip position in Chinese cancer patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate the influence of body posture change on the peripherally inserted central catheter tip position in Chinese cancer patients.

METHODS

A prospective observational trial was conducted in a tertiary cancer hospital from August to September 2018. After the insertion of peripherally inserted central catheter, chest X-ray films were taken to check the catheter tip in the upright and supine positions, respectively. The distance from the carina to the catheter tip was separately measured on both chest films by nurses. The primary study outcome was the distance and direction of the catheter tip movement. The secondary study outcome was to analyze the influence factors on the catheter tip movement. The third study outcome was to observe the related adverse events caused by the catheter tip movement.

RESULTS

A total of 79 patients were included, the results showed that 61 moved cephalad, 14 moved caudally, and 4 did not move with body change from the supine to the upright position. When moved cephalad, the mean distance was 19.34 ± 11.95 mm; when moved caudally, the mean distance was -15.83 ± 8.97 mm. The difference between the two positions was statistically significant (p < 0.001). There was also a statistically significant difference between catheter tip movement direction and body mass index (p = 0.009) and height (p = 0.015). Two patients developed arrhythmias; no cardiac tamponade was found due to body posture change.

CONCLUSION

The results of this work implied that the tips of the catheter tend to shift toward the cephalad with body change from the supine to the upright position. A study involving a larger sample size is needed to find more information in the future.

Effectiveness of different central venous catheter fixation suture techniques: An in vitro crossover study

Purpose

Proper fixation of central venous catheters (CVCs) is an integral part of safety to avoid dislodgement and malfunction. However, the effectiveness of different CVC securement sutures is unknown.

Methods

Analysis of maximum dislodgement forces for CVCs from three different manufacturers using four different suture techniques in an in vitro tensile loading experiment: 1. “clamp only”, 2. “clamp and compression suture”, 3. “finger trap” and 4. “complete”, i.e., “clamp + compression suture + finger trap”. Twenty-five tests were performed for each of the three CVC models and four securement suture techniques (n = 300 test runs).

Results

The primary cause of catheter dislodgement was sliding through the clamp in techniques 1 and 2. In contrast, rupture of the suture was the predominant cause for dislodgement in techniques 2 and 3. Median (IQR 25–75%) dislodgement forces were 26.0 (16.6) N in technique 1, 26.5 (18.8) N in technique 2, 76.7 (18.7) N in technique 3, and 84.8 (11.8) N in technique 4. Post-hoc analysis demonstrated significant differences (P < .001) between all pairwise combinations of techniques except technique 1 vs. 2 (P = .98).

Conclusions

“Finger trap” fixation at the segmentation site considerably increases forces required for dislodgement compared to clamp-based approaches.

Guide wire electrode versus liquid electrode for intravascular electrocardiography-guided central venous catheterization in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To assess the effectiveness and safety of guide wire electrode versus liquid electrode for intravascular electrocardiography-guided central venous catheter placement in adults.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

We searched the main electronic databases (Cochrane Library, the Joanna Briggs Institute Library, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang) with articles published from inception up to March 2018. References of important articles were also screened for relevant studies. We used a structured search strategy and did not apply any search limitations.

REVIEW METHODS

Randomized, controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies or studies using a within-subject design, evaluating guide wire electrode versus liquid electrode for intravascular electrocardiography-guided central venous catheter placement in adults, were eligible for inclusion. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool and meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3.

RESULTS

In total, six studies with a total of 2176 participants were included. Meta-analysis showed that there was no statistically significant difference in accuracy of tip location placement between guide wire and liquid electrodes. Use of guide wire electrode had a higher risk of complications which were transient and there were an insufficient number of studies using the same parameters to evaluate intravascular electrocardiography signal quality.

CONCLUSION

Due to the small number and low quality of identified studies, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions on the relative effectiveness and safety of guide wire versus liquid electrodes for the placement of central venous catheters in adults. More well-designed studies are needed in the future.

A checklist to improve the quality of central venous catheter tip positioning

Central venous catheter insertion is a routine procedure performed by anaesthetists in the peri-operative setting. Upper body central venous catheters are usually placed such that their tip lies within the superior vena cava or at the cavo-atrial junction. Positioning the tip 'too low' in the right atrium has long been argued against on the basis that it increases the risk of perforation, leading to cardiac tamponade. Positioning the tip 'too high' in the brachiocephalic vein or above can also be problematic in that proximal migration can result in extravascular placement of the proximal lumen. Such an incident occurred at our hospital in 2016, resulting in extravasation of a vesicant medication causing tissue necrosis. We undertook a quality improvement project involving a standardised bundle of care and a peri-operative central venous catheter insertion checklist with the aim of reducing the risk of such an incident re-occurring. We conducted a three-month pre-intervention audit (n = 84) in 2016 and a post-intervention audit (n = 84) in 2017. Compared with the pre-intervention audit, the post-intervention audit coincided with a lower rate of central venous catheter tip malpositioning (5.6% vs. 9.2%); and a higher rate of 'optimal' central venous catheter tip position in the distal superior vena cava or cavo-atrial junction (45.1% vs. 29.2%). The central venous catheter insertion checklist also substantially improved documentation of sterility measures, insertion depth and post-insertional documentation of tip position on chest radiograph.

Central venous catheterization for acute trauma resuscitation: Tip position analysis using routine emergency computed tomography

PURPOSE

Central venous catheter insertion for acute trauma resuscitation may be associated with mechanical complications, but studies on the exact central venous catheter tip positions are not available. The goal of the study was to analyze central venous catheter tip positions using routine emergency computed tomography.

METHODS

Consecutive acute multiple trauma patients requiring large-bore thoracocervical central venous catheters in the resuscitation room of a university hospital were enrolled retrospectively from 2010 to 2015. Patients who received a routine emergency chest computed tomography were analyzed regarding central venous catheter tip position. The central venous catheter tip position was defined as correct if the catheter tip was placed less than 1 cm inside the right atrium relative to the cavoatrial junction, and the simultaneous angle of the central venous catheter tip compared with the lateral border of the superior vena cava was below 40°.

RESULTS

During the 6-year study period, 97 patients were analyzed for the central venous catheter tip position in computed tomography. Malpositions were observed in 29 patients (29.9%). Patients with malpositioned central venous catheters presented with a higher rate of shock (systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg) at admission (58.6% vs 33.8%, p = 0.023) and a higher mean injury severity score (38.5 ± 15.7 vs 31.6 ± 11.8, p = 0.041) compared with patients with correctly positioned central venous catheter tips. Logistic regression revealed injury severity score as a significant predictor for central venous catheter malposition (odds ratio = 1.039, 95% confidence interval = 1.005-1.074, p = 0.024).

CONCLUSION

Multiple trauma patients who underwent emergency central venous catheter placement by experienced anesthetists presented with considerable tip malposition in computed tomography, which was significantly associated with a higher injury severity.

Ultrasound as a Screening Tool for Central Venous Catheter Positioning and Exclusion of Pneumothorax

OBJECTIVES

Although real-time ultrasound guidance during central venous catheter insertion has become a standard of care, postinsertion chest radiograph remains the gold standard to confirm central venous catheter tip position and rule out associated lung complications like pneumothorax. We hypothesize that a combination of transthoracic echocardiography and lung ultrasound is noninferior to chest radiograph when used to accurately assess central venous catheter positioning and screen for pneumothorax.

SETTING

All operating rooms and surgical and trauma ICUs at the institution.

DESIGN

Single-center, prospective noninferiority study.

PATIENTS

Patients receiving ultrasound-guided subclavian or internal jugular central venous catheters.

INTERVENTIONS

During ultrasound-guided central venous catheter placement, correct positioning of central venous catheter was accomplished by real-time visualization of the guide wire and positive right atrial swirl sign using the subcostal four-chamber view. After insertion, pneumothorax was ruled out by the presence of lung sliding and seashore sign on M-mode.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Data analysis was done for 137 patients. Chest radiograph ruled out pneumothorax in 137 of 137 patients (100%). Lung ultrasound was performed in 123 of 137 patients and successfully screened for pneumothorax in 123 of 123 (100%). Chest radiograph approximated accurate catheter tip position in 136 of 137 patients (99.3%). Adequate subcostal four-chamber views could not be obtained in 13 patients. Accurate positioning of central venous catheter with ultrasound was then confirmed in 121 of 124 patients (97.6%) as described previously.

CONCLUSIONS

Transthoracic echocardiography and lung ultrasound are noninferior to chest x-ray for screening of pneumothorax and accurate central venous catheter positioning. Thus, the point of care use of ultrasound can reduce central venous catheter insertion to use time, exposure to radiation, and improve patient safety.

Catheter Securement Systems for Peripherally Inserted and Nontunneled Central Vascular Access Devices: Clinical Evaluation of a Novel Sutureless Device

Sutureless catheter securement systems are intended to eliminate risks associated with sutures. The clinical acceptability of a novel system was investigated compared with the current method of securement for peripherally inserted central catheters (19 facilities using StatLock or sutures) or nontunneled central vascular access devices (3 facilities using StatLock or sutures or HubGuard + Sorbaview Shield). More than 94% of respondents rated the novel system as same, better, or much better than their current product. More than 82% of respondents were willing to replace their current system with the new one.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Central Venous Catheter Confirmation by Bedside Ultrasound Versus Chest Radiography in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the accuracy of bedside ultrasound for confirmation of central venous catheter position and exclusion of pneumothorax compared with chest radiography.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, reference lists, conference proceedings and ClinicalTrials.gov.

STUDY SELECTION

Articles and abstracts describing the diagnostic accuracy of bedside ultrasound compared with chest radiography for confirmation of central venous catheters in sufficient detail to reconstruct 2 × 2 contingency tables were reviewed. Primary outcomes included the accuracy of confirming catheter positioning and detecting a pneumothorax. Secondary outcomes included feasibility, interrater reliability, and efficiency to complete bedside ultrasound confirmation of central venous catheter position.

DATA EXTRACTION

Investigators abstracted study details including research design and sonographic imaging technique to detect catheter malposition and procedure-related pneumothorax. Diagnostic accuracy measures included pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Fifteen studies with 1,553 central venous catheter placements were identified with a pooled sensitivity and specificity of catheter malposition by ultrasound of 0.82 (0.77-0.86) and 0.98 (0.97-0.99), respectively. The pooled positive and negative likelihood ratios of catheter malposition by ultrasound were 31.12 (14.72-65.78) and 0.25 (0.13-0.47). The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound for pneumothorax detection was nearly 100% in the participating studies. Bedside ultrasound reduced mean central venous catheter confirmation time by 58.3 minutes. Risk of bias and clinical heterogeneity in the studies were high.

CONCLUSIONS

Bedside ultrasound is faster than radiography at identifying pneumothorax after central venous catheter insertion. When a central venous catheter malposition exists, bedside ultrasound will identify four out of every five earlier than chest radiography.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Central Venous Catheter Confirmation by Bedside Ultrasound Versus Chest Radiography in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the accuracy of bedside ultrasound for confirmation of central venous catheter position and exclusion of pneumothorax compared with chest radiography.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, reference lists, conference proceedings and ClinicalTrials.gov.

STUDY SELECTION

Articles and abstracts describing the diagnostic accuracy of bedside ultrasound compared with chest radiography for confirmation of central venous catheters in sufficient detail to reconstruct 2 × 2 contingency tables were reviewed. Primary outcomes included the accuracy of confirming catheter positioning and detecting a pneumothorax. Secondary outcomes included feasibility, interrater reliability, and efficiency to complete bedside ultrasound confirmation of central venous catheter position.

DATA EXTRACTION

Investigators abstracted study details including research design and sonographic imaging technique to detect catheter malposition and procedure-related pneumothorax. Diagnostic accuracy measures included pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Fifteen studies with 1,553 central venous catheter placements were identified with a pooled sensitivity and specificity of catheter malposition by ultrasound of 0.82 (0.77-0.86) and 0.98 (0.97-0.99), respectively. The pooled positive and negative likelihood ratios of catheter malposition by ultrasound were 31.12 (14.72-65.78) and 0.25 (0.13-0.47). The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound for pneumothorax detection was nearly 100% in the participating studies. Bedside ultrasound reduced mean central venous catheter confirmation time by 58.3 minutes. Risk of bias and clinical heterogeneity in the studies were high.

CONCLUSIONS

Bedside ultrasound is faster than radiography at identifying pneumothorax after central venous catheter insertion. When a central venous catheter malposition exists, bedside ultrasound will identify four out of every five earlier than chest radiography.

The Michigan Appropriateness Guide for Intravenous Catheters (MAGIC): Results From a Multispecialty Panel Using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method

Use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) has grown substantially in recent years. Increasing use has led to the realization that PICCs are associated with important complications, including thrombosis and infection. Moreover, some PICCs may not be placed for clinically valid reasons. Defining appropriate indications for insertion, maintenance, and care of PICCs is thus important for patient safety. An international panel was convened that applied the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method to develop criteria for use of PICCs. After systematic reviews of the literature, scenarios related to PICC use, care, and maintenance were developed according to patient population (for example, general hospitalized, critically ill, cancer, kidney disease), indication for insertion (infusion of peripherally compatible infusates vs. vesicants), and duration of use (≤5 days, 6 to 14 days, 15 to 30 days, or ≥31 days). Within each scenario, appropriateness of PICC use was compared with that of other venous access devices. After review of 665 scenarios, 253 (38%) were rated as appropriate, 124 (19%) as neutral/uncertain, and 288 (43%) as inappropriate. For peripherally compatible infusions, PICC use was rated as inappropriate when the proposed duration of use was 5 or fewer days. Midline catheters and ultrasonography-guided peripheral intravenous catheters were preferred to PICCs for use between 6 and 14 days. In critically ill patients, nontunneled central venous catheters were preferred over PICCs when 14 or fewer days of use were likely. In patients with cancer, PICCs were rated as appropriate for irritant or vesicant infusion, regardless of duration. The panel of experts used a validated method to develop appropriate indications for PICC use across patient populations. These criteria can be used to improve care, inform quality improvement efforts, and advance the safety of medical patients.

Evaluation of the Correct Position of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters: Anatomical Landmark vs. Electrocardiographic Technique

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to verify as early as possible the correct positioning of the peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) tip in order to reduce complications due to possible malpositioning. The ECG-guided technique proved to be reliable, easy to carry out, straightforward, low-cost and allows us to recognize an incorrect or a suboptimal positioning throughout the procedure. The purpose of this study is to compare two methods used during the PICC insertion so as to prevent catheter malpositioning; the first study estimates the catheter length by the landmark method (based on cutaneous anatomical landmarks, CALs) with the addition of the postprocedural verification of tip location by chest X-Ray (CxR), whereas the second method of intraprocedural tip location is based on the observation of the morphological variations of the P wave (ECG-guided technique) with the addition of the postprocedural verification by CxR.

Methods

From 2010 to 2012, 90 PICCs were positioned, 48 using the anatomical landmarks and 42 using the ECG technique.

Results

Twenty-five percent of the catheters positioned with the anatomical landmark technique did not reach the correct position of the tip in SVC; of these, 6.25% were placed in an aberrant position and others in a suboptimal position. Of the 42 PICCs positioned with the ECG technique, only in three cases (equal to 7.14%), a suboptimal position of the tip was observed, whereas there was no case of aberrant positioning.

Conclusions

The ECG technique represents an accurate, low-cost and safe technique to verify the correct positioning of the tip. The use of the ECG allowed a more correct positioning in terms of catheter tip-carina distance and catheter tip-tracheobronchial angle, and in no patient was it necessary to place a catheter again.