A Novel Method for Ultrasound-Guided Central Catheter Placement-Supraclavicular Brachiocephalic Vein Catheterization Versus Jugular Catheterization: A Prospective Randomized Study

The Study of the Feasibility of Ultrasound-guided Catheterization of the Right Brachiocephalic Vein in Adult Patients: A Prospective Observational Study

Background

The brachiocephalic vein (BCV) is a feasible option for central venous access in the pediatric population and is rapidly developing as an alternative site for insertion of the central line in young children with faster insertion times, fewer attempts, and lower rates of complications. However, studies demonstrating the feasibility of BCV catheterization in adult patients are insufficient. The current study sought to assess the safety and effectiveness of ultrasound-guided supraclavicular right BCV cannulations in adults.

Methods

A linear array Ultrasound (US) probe was used to obtain a longitudinal picture of the BCV beginning at the junction of the internal jugular vein and the subclavian vein in the supraclavicular region. Under US supervision, the needle was guided into the BCV using the in-plane approach. A prospective study was performed on 80 adult patients scheduled for elective and emergency operative procedures under general anesthesia requiring a central venous catheter (CVC). Success rates and complications that occurred during catheter insertion were analyzed.

Results

CVC placement was successful in all adults. The procedure was successful at the first attempt in 74 cases (92.5%) and after 2 attempts in six patients (7.5%). The time to guide wire insertion was 31.26 s (19-58 s), and catheter insertion took 88.44 s (63-145 s). The mean length of catheter insertion was 10.46 cm. No complications were noted.

Conclusion

Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular BCV catheterization offers a new and safe method for central venous line catheterization in adults. However, larger trials and meta-analyses are needed to confirm these findings and evaluate the safety of this technique.

Review article: Feasibility of brachiocephalic vein central venous access for the resuscitation of shocked adult trauma patients: A literature review

Venous access is a key component of managing haemorrhagic shock. Obtaining intravenous access in trauma patients is challenging due to circulatory collapse in shock. This literature review examines the feasibility of direct puncture and cannulation of the brachiocephalic veins (BCVs) for intravenous access in shocked adult trauma patients. Three literature searches were conducted. OVID Medline was searched for articles on the use of the BCVs for venous access in adults and on the BCVs in shock. A third systematic search of OVID Medline, OVID Embase and Cochrane Library was conducted on the use of the BCVs for access in shocked trauma patients. After full-text review, 18 studies were selected for inclusion for the search on the use of the BCVs for access in adults. No studies met the inclusion criteria for the search on the BCVs in shock and BCV access in shocked trauma patients. The BCVs are currently used for central venous access, haemodialysis and totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) in adults. There is a preference for the right BCV (RBCV) over the left as the RBCV is more superficial, straighter, larger, has less anatomical variation and avoids the risk of thoracic duct puncture. The BCVs appear to be stabilised in shock by surrounding bony structures. The BCVs may provide a site for initial, rapid access in trauma resuscitation. Further research is required to determine if the BCVs collapse in shock and if venous access using the BCVs is feasible in a trauma resuscitation setting.

How to improve the efficiency and the safety of real-time ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization in 2023: a narrative review

Central venous catheterization (CVC) is a frequent procedure, practiced by intensivists, anesthesiologists and advanced practice nurses in intensive care units and operative rooms. To reduce CVC-associated morbidity, it is essential to strive for best practices, based on the latest evidence. This narrative review aims to synthesize current knowledge on evidence-based best practices for CVC that improve the use and feasibility of real-time ultrasound-guided insertion procedures. Optimization of the vein puncture technique and the development of new technologies are discussed to reinforce the use of the subclavian vein catheterization as first choice. The search for alternative site of insertions, without increasing infectious and thrombotic risks, deserves further research.