External Jugular Vein Catheterization Using 'Intra-Atrial Electrocardiogram'


Karaaslan D., Altinisik U., Peker T. T., Nayir E., Ozmen S.

YONSEI MEDICAL JOURNAL, vol.50, no.2, pp.222-226, 2009 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 50 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • Doi Number: 10.3349/ymj.2009.50.2.222
  • Journal Name: YONSEI MEDICAL JOURNAL
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.222-226
  • Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the reliability of intra-atrial electrocardiogram (ECG) use for external jugular vein (EJV) catheterization. Materials and Methods: Patients undergoing open heart surgery in Suleyman Demirel University Hospital between February and June 2006 were included in the study. Using a sterile Seldinger technique, a triple lumen polyurethane central venous catheter was introduced (Certofix (R) Trio V 720, length 20 cm, 7 French) under intra-atrial ECG guidance. The presence of an increase in P-wave size was recorded. Just after the surgery, a portable chest X-ray was taken. The method was considered to be successful when a change in P-wave could be seen and the catheter was in the superior vena cava, as well as when there was no change in P-wave and the catheter was not in the superior vena cava. Results: In six patients (12%), we were not able to advance the guidewire. In the remaining 44 patients, the catheter was inserted without problem. Eight of these 44 catheters were positioned in the innominate vein, with a malposition ratio of 18%. The success rate of external jugular vein cannulation with intra-atrial ECG was 95%. No complications occured related to the EJV cannulation. Conclusion: Considering that it is easily accessed without complication, and the malposition is successfully detected by intra-atrial ECG, EJV is a suitable access for central venous cannulation when internal jugular vein (IJV) is not usable.