Determination of the optimal depth of a left internal jugular venous catheter in infants: A prospective observational study

Anatomical variations of the internal jugular vein in the context of central line placement: A visual approach to data processing

Central line placement in the internal jugular vein (IJV) can result in complications. Previous studies that examined variations in geometric anatomical parameters in pediatric populations have reduced these risks in children. The aim of this study was to establish possible anatomical variations to improve central line placement in the adult population and demonstrate the use of a correlation heatmap in processing large amounts of data. Twenty-seven volunteers were imaged using ultrasound at three different neck levels on right and left sides and various anatomical parameters were measured. Demographic information was also collected and included in the data processing. The Pearson coefficient was derived from each possible relationship between the measured parameters and was plotted in a correlation heatmap. Strong correlations were observed between the body mass index and the depth of the IJV and common carotid artery (CCA), the relative depth of the IJV to the CCA. No significant correlations were found in the dimensions of both vessels. Anatomical variations were more common than anticipated and should be taken into account when performing central line catheterization in order to minimize post-procedure complications.

Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular cannulation of left brachiocephalic versus right internal jugular vein: Comparative analysis of central venous catheter-associated complications

AIMS

Central venous catheters are essential for the management of pediatric cardiac surgery patients. Recently, an ultrasound-guided access via a supraclavicular approach to the brachiocephalic vein has been described. Central venous catheters are associated with a relevant number of complications in pediatric patients. In this study, we evaluated the frequency of complications of left brachiocephalic vein access compared with right internal jugular vein standard access in children undergoing cardiac surgery.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all pediatric cases at our tertiary care university hospital over a two-year period receiving central venous catheters for cardiac surgery.

PRIMARY ENDPOINT

Frequency of complications associated with central venous catheters inserted via the left brachiocephalic vein vs. right internal jugular vein. Complications were defined as: chylothorax, deep vein thrombosis, sepsis, or delayed chest closure. Secondary endpoints: Evaluation of the insertion depth of the catheter using a height-based formula without adjustment for side used.

RESULTS

Initially, 504 placed catheters were identified. Following inclusion and exclusion criteria, 480 placed catheters remained for final analysis. Overall complications were reported in 68/480 (14.2%) cases. There was no difference in the frequency of all complications in the left brachiocephalic vein vs. the right internal jugular vein group (15.49% vs. 13.65%; OR = 1.16 [0.64; 2.07]), nor was there any difference considering the most relevant complications chylothorax (7.7% vs. 8.6%; OR = 0.89 [0.39; 1.91]) and thrombosis (5.6% vs. 4.5%; OR = 1.28 [0.46; 3.31]). The mean deviation from the optimal insertion depth was left brachiocephalic vein vs. right internal jugular vein 5.38 ± 13.6 mm and 4.94 ± 15.1 mm, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Among children undergoing cardiac surgery, there is no significant difference between the supraclavicular approach to the left brachiocephalic vein and the right internal jugular vein regarding complications. For both approaches, a universal formula can be used to determine the correct insertion depth.

ECHOTIP-Ped: A structured protocol for ultrasound-based tip navigation and tip location during placement of central venous access devices in pediatric patients

Central venous access devices are routinely used in pediatric care for administration of fluids and medications and for drawing blood samples. The adoption of ultrasound guided venipuncture, the availability of bedside ultrasound devices and the use of intraprocedural methods for tip location have been shown to reduce procedure-related complications, as documented by the recommendations of most recent guidelines. In pediatric patients, bedside ultrasound is a promising tool not only for optimizing the choice of the vein and guiding the venipuncture, but also for ensuring an accurate and intraprocedural method of tip navigation and tip location. The aim of this paper is to review all the evidence about the accuracy of ultrasound methods for tip navigation and tip location in pediatric patients, and to suggest a structured protocol for clinical practice.

Optimal insertion depth of subclavian vein catheterization via the right supraclavicular approach in children

BACKGROUND

Methods to determine the optimal insertion depth of ultrasound-guided supraclavicular approach to the subclavian vein (SCV) catheterization, alternatively used for central venous access, are debatable in children.

AIM

We investigated the applicability and reliability of the modified formula for determining the depth of SCV catheterization using an ultrasound-guided supraclavicular approach in children.

METHODS

This prospective observational study included 36 children (age <6 years; weight ≥5 kg) scheduled to undergo congenital heart disease surgery. After intubation, ultrasound-guided supraclavicular approach to the SCV catheterization was performed. Actual insertion depth was determined by real-time transesophageal echocardiography. Insertion depth was calculated by subtracting 1 cm from the sum of the distance from the insertion point to the sternal head of the right clavicle and that from the latter point to the midpoint of a perpendicular line drawn from the sternal head of the right clavicle to the line connecting the nipples.

RESULTS

Insertion depth calculated with the modified formula and actual insertion depth of the SCV catheter correlated strongly (r = .806, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.658-0.908; p < .001). Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean bias and precision of 0.36 and 0.65 cm, respectively (95% CI: 0.14-0.58, 95% limits of agreement: -0.92, 1.64). All plots were above the -1.0 line, indicating no catheter tip insertion into the right atrium.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimal insertion depth for an ultrasound-guided supraclavicular approach to the SCV catheterization can be calculated using modification of a surface landmark formula in children younger than 6 years and weight heavier than 5 kg.

A new way to determine correct depth of central venous catheter insertion using a real-time ultrasound-guided insertion technique in pediatric patients

BACKGROUND

Several formulae or methods are reported to predict the ideal central venous catheter insertion depth. However, they are complicated and often unsuitable in cases requiring rapid management.

AIMS

This study aimed to determine a simple and practical method to predict the ideal central venous catheter insertion depth after the real-time ultrasound-guided right internal jugular vein, or left or right supraclavicular approach in pediatric patients.

METHOD

Pediatric patients with congenital heart diseases who underwent cardiovascular surgery between July 2015 and February 2018 in the German Pediatric Heart Center Sankt Augustin were enrolled. Body height, body weight, patient age (months), and central venous catheter insertion depth were retrieved from the anesthesia records. Ideal central venous catheter insertion depth was calculated by measuring the distance between the level of the carina tracheae and the  central venous catheter tip on the first postoperative chest radiograph. The relationships of body height, body weight, and patient age (months) to ideal central venous catheter insertion depth for the right internal jugular, left supraclavicular, and right supraclavicular approaches were investigated.

RESULTS

Body height was the best parameter, providing the best coefficients of determination as well as the simplest relationship. Based on analysis for ideal central venous catheter insertion depth for every 10-cm increase in body height, there was an ideal central venous catheter insertion depth for each body height, independent of the anesthesiologist's experience with the approach used. Whereas ideal central venous catheter insertion depths for the right internal jugular vein approach and the left supraclavicular approach showed no significant difference, ideal central venous catheter insertion depth for the right supraclavicular approach was significantly shorter than that of the other two approaches.

CONCLUSION

This study successfully determined a visually simple and practical bar graph to predict the ideal central venous catheter depth inserted using only the real-time ultrasound-guided insertion technique for the right internal jugular vein, left supraclavicular, and right supraclavicular approaches.