Comparison of two ultrasound guided approaches for axillary vein catheterization: a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial

Influence of arm position on the first pass success rates of ultrasound-guided infraclavicular axillary vein cannulation in spontaneously breathing patients: A randomised clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Significant collapsibility during spontaneous respiration, deeper location, and smaller vein size are key challenging factors to safe infraclavicular axillary vein cannulation. Arm abduction reduces collapsibility, but interventional data supporting this observation is lacking. This study investigates the effect of neutral and abducted arm position on the first pass success rate of infraclavicular axillary vein cannulation in spontaneously breathing patients.

METHODS

One hundred and twelve patients were randomly assigned to two arm positions, neutral or abducted by 90° at the shoulder joint. Under ultrasound guidance, the infraclavicular axillary vein was cannulated using an in-plane approach. The primary outcome was the first pass success rate of guidewire placement in the infraclavicular axillary vein. The secondary outcome measures were the number of attempts for successful cannulation, failure rate, and catheter tip malposition.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients in the neutral arm and fifty-six patients in the arm abduction group were compared according to the intention to treat analysis. The abducted arm position was associated with a higher first pass success rate (RR = 3.39, 95% CI = 1.47-7.85; p = 0.004) with fewer attempts (p = 0.005), lower failure rate (RR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.16-1.61; p = 0.000) and lower catheter tip malposition (1.5 vs 15.8%; p = 0.012) when compared to the neutral arm position.

CONCLUSION

Abducted arm position resulted in a significantly higher first pass success rate with a lower failure rate and catheter tip malposition during ultrasound-guided infraclavicular axillary vein cannulation in spontaneously breathing patients.

Ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization around the neck: Systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization (CVC) has become the standard of care. However, providers use a variety of approaches, encompassing the internal jugular vein (IJV), supraclavicular subclavian vein (SupraSCV), infraclavicular subclavian vein (InfraSCV), proximal axillary vein (ProxiAV), distal axillary vein (DistalAV), and femoral vein.

OBJECTIVE

This review aimed to compare the first-pass success rate and arterial puncture rate for different approaches to ultrasound-guided CVC above the diaphragm.

METHODS

In May 2023, Embase, MEDLINE, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Platform were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the 5 CVC approaches. The Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis tool was used to assess confidence. Thirteen RCTs (4418 participants and 13 comparisons) were included in this review.

RESULTS

The SupraSCV approach likely increased the proportion of first-attempt successes compared to the other 4 approaches. The SupraSCV first-attempt success demonstrated risk ratios (RRs) > 1.21 with a lower 95% confidence interval (CI) exceeding 1. Compared to the IJV, the SupraSCV approach likely increased the first-attempt success proportion (RR 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.40, moderate confidence), whereas the DistalAV approach reduced it (RR 0.72; 95% CI 0.59-0.87, high confidence). Artery puncture had little to no difference across all approaches (low to high confidence).

CONCLUSION

Considering first-attempt success and mechanical complications, the SupraSCV may emerge as the preferred approach, while DistalAV might be the least preferable approach. Nevertheless, head-to-head studies comparing the approaches with the greatest first attempt success should be undertaken.

Clinical Effect of Modified Ultrasound-Guided Subclavian Vein Puncture

Objective

This study compared the effect of ultrasound-guided subclavian vein puncture with traditional blind puncture and the double-screen control method by evaluating the one-time puncture success and total success rates, the completion time for puncture and catheterization, and short-term complications.

Methods

From January 2020 to January 2021, 72 patients with right subclavian venipuncture catheterization were collected, 12 of whom were excluded (including 3 cases of pneumothorax, 2 cases of hemothorax, 1 case of difficult positioning of thoracic deformity, 1 case of severe drug eruption, 3 cases of clavicle fracture, and 1 case of severe coagulation dysfunction). The remaining 60 cases were randomly divided into the traditional group (n = 30) and the improved group (n = 30). We record two sets of ultrasound localization time, puncture time, one-time puncture power, total puncture success rate, and short-term (24-hour) complications.

Results

Compared with the traditional group, the ultrasound positioning time and puncture time in the improved group were significantly reduced and the puncture success rate was higher. There were no complications, such as incorrect arterial puncture and the occurrence of pneumothorax, in either group.

Conclusion

The improved ultrasound-guided subclavian vein catheterization technique can greatly reduce the catheterization time and improve the success rate of puncture and catheterization. It can also reduce the occurrence of complications and damage to adjacent tissues. The operation is simple, fast, and easy to master, and it has a high popularization clinical value.

Ultrasound-guided, long-axis, in-plane, infraclavicular axillary vein cannulation: A 6-year experience

BACKGROUND

Despite its potential advantages, ultrasound-guided cannulation of the axillary vein in the infraclavicular area is still rarely used as an alternative to other techniques. There are few large series demonstrating the safety and feasibility of this approach.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of data on patients undergoing ultrasound-guided, long-axis, in-plane infraclavicular axillary vein cannulation for the incidence of complications and the failure rate from two secondary-care hospitals.

RESULTS

The analysis included 710 successful attempts of axillary vein long-axis, in-plane, US-guided cannulation, and 24 (3.3%) failed attempts. We recorded a 96.7% success rate with an overall incidence of complications of 13%, mainly malposition (8.1%). There was one case of pneumothorax (0.14%), five cases of arterial puncture (0.7%), and two cases of brachial plexus injury.

CONCLUSIONS

The US-guided axillary central venous cannulation (CVC) access technique can be undertaken successfully in patients, even in challenging circumstances. Taken together with existing work on the utility and safety of this technique, we suggest that it should be adopted more widely in clinical practice.

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.

High success rates of ultrasound-guided distal internal jugular vein and axillary vein approaches for central venous catheterization: A randomized controlled open-label pilot trial

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound (US)-guided axillary vein (AV) catheterization has been considered as the preferred site of insertion to minimize catheter-related infections. Given its difficulty of realization, internal jugular vein (IJV) access remains, thus, the first choice of catheter insertion site. This descriptive study was aimed to assess the success and complication rates of in-plane short axis approach of IJV in the lower neck and the AV approach under US-guidance.

METHODS

In a prospective randomized controlled open-label pilot trial, all patients requiring central venous catheterization (CVC) in intensive care unit or operating room were randomly assigned to low IJV or AV groups. The primary objective was to estimate the overall success rate of both approaches. The secondary objectives were immediate complication rates, procedure durations, success rate after the first puncture, late complication rates (i.e., thrombosis, catheter colonization, and catheter-related infections), and nurse satisfaction regarding insertion site dressings.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy-three out of two hundred and ten included patients were fully analyzed (90 and 83 in the IJV and AV approach groups, respectively). Overall success rates for IJV and AV sites were 96% (95% confidence interval (CI) [90-99]) and 89% (95% CI [81-94]) respectively. First puncture success rates were 90% and 80% respectively. The median overall procedure duration from US pre-procedural screening to guidewire insertion was 8 and 10 min in IJV and AV groups. Overall immediate complications rates for IJV and AV sites were 11.6% and 14.6%, respectively. Incidence of catheter colonization were 7.9% and 6.8% and catheter-related infection rate were 2.6% and 0%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this pilot study, US-guided low IJV and AV approaches are safe and efficient techniques for CVC insertion associated with high success and low complications rates. Duration for guidewire insertion seemed to be shorter in the short axis in-plane IJV approach. It provides the basis for a future randomized trial comparing these two approaches.

Comparison of the proximal and distal approaches for axillary vein catheterization under ultrasound guidance (PANDA) in cardiac surgery patients susceptible to bleeding: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed at comparing the success rate and safety of proximal versus distal approach for ultrasound (US)-guided axillary vein catheterization (AVC) in cardiac surgery patients susceptible to bleeding.

METHODS

In this single-center randomized controlled trial, cardiac surgery patients susceptible to bleeding and requiring AVC were randomized to either the proximal or distal approach group for US-guided AVC. Patients susceptible to bleeding were defined as those who received oral antiplatelet drugs or anticoagulants for at least 3 days. Success rate, catheterization time, number of attempts, and mechanical complications within 24 h were recorded for each procedure.

RESULTS

A total of 198 patients underwent randomization: 99 patients each to the proximal and distal groups. The proximal group had the higher first puncture success rate (75.8% vs. 51.5%, p < 0.001) and site success rate (93.9% vs. 83.8%, p = 0.04) than the distal group. However, the overall success rates between the two groups were similar (99.0% vs. 99.0%; p = 1.00). Moreover, the proximal group had fewer average number of attempts (p < 0.01), less access time (p < 0.001), and less successful cannulation time (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in complications between the two groups, such as major bleeding, minor bleeding, arterial puncture, pneumothorax, nerve injuries, and catheter misplacements.

CONCLUSIONS

For cardiac surgery patients susceptible to bleeding, both proximal and distal approaches for US-guided AVC can be considered as feasible and safe methods of central venous cannulation. In terms of the first puncture success rate and cannulation time, the proximal approach is superior to the distal approach. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03395691. Registered January 10, 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03395691?cond=NCT03395691&draw=1&rank=1 .

Ultrasound-guided proximal versus distal axillary vein puncture in elderly patients: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound-guided axillary vein catheterization is now widely used in hospital, but it remains uncertain whether the distal axillary vein approach is more beneficial for seniors than the proximal axillary vein approach. This study aims to compare the puncture success rate and anatomical characteristics between these two approaches.

METHODS

Senior patients requiring central venous catheterization were enrolled and randomized to the proximal axillary vein group (n = 49) or the distal axillary vein group (n = 50). Proximal axillary vein and distal axillary vein location time, venous depth, maximum diameter, and collapse index (defined as the percentage change in vein width caused by respiration) were recorded for all patients. The rate of puncture success and operation time were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Mean venous depth was 1.93 ± 0.45 cm for proximal axillary vein and 1.79 ± 0.46 cm for distal axillary vein (p < 0.001). Maximum diameter was 0.80 ± 0.33 cm for proximal axillary vein and 0.61 ± 0.33 cm for distal axillary vein (p < 0.001). Collapse indices were 20% ± 27% and 56% ± 34%, respectively (p < 0.001). Also, location time was significantly shorter for proximal axillary vein than for distal axillary vein (p < 0.001). One attempt and overall success rates were significantly higher in the proximal axillary vein group, compared with the distal axillary vein group (71.4% vs 42.0%, p = 0.003; 79.6% vs 54.0%, p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

For catheterization under ultrasound guidance in elderly patients, the proximal axillary vein approach is superior to the distal axillary vein approach.

A modified approach for ultrasound-guided axillary venipuncture in the infraclavicular area: A retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Catheterization of the axillary vein in the infraclavicular area has important advantages in patients with long-term, indwelling central venous catheters. The two most commonly used ultrasound-guided approaches for catheterization of the axillary vein include the long-axis/in-plane approach and the short-axis/out-of-plane approach, but there are certain drawbacks to both approaches. We have modified a new approach for axillary vein catheterization: the oblique-axis/in-plane approach.

METHODS

This observational study retrospectively collected data from patients who underwent ultrasound-guided placement of an axillary vein infusion port in the infraclavicular area at the Central Venous Access Clinics of Zhongshan Hospital at Fudan University between March 2014 and May 2017. The patients' demographic data, success rate of catheterization, venous catheterization site, and immediate complications associated with catheterization were recorded.

RESULTS

Between March 2014 and May 2017, a total of 858 patients underwent placement of an axillary vein infusion port in the infraclavicular area at our center. The ultrasound-guided oblique-axis/in-plane approach was used for all patients, and the venipuncture success rate was 100%. Two cases of accidental arterial puncture and one case of local hematoma formation were reported, and no other complications, such as pneumothorax or nerve damage, were reported.

CONCLUSION

The ultrasound-guided oblique-axis/in-plane approach is a safe and reliable alternative to the routine ultrasound-guided approach for axillary venous catheterization.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Established Settings

The original and most widely accepted applications for point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) are in the settings of trauma, shock, and bedside procedures. Trauma was the original setting for the introduction of POCUS and has been standardized under the four-plus view examination called the Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST). This examination was found to be especially practice changing for achieving rapid diagnoses in critically ill patients who are too unstable for the delays and transportation inherent in more advanced imaging with computed tomography. This application was broadened from the critically ill trauma patient to any critically ill patient, particularly the patient in undifferentiated shock. Although the Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma examination originally focused on sources of hemorrhage causing hypovolemic shock, POCUS also can quickly differentiate cardiogenic, obstructive, and distributive shock and help identify the more specific etiology such as massive pulmonary emboli, pericardial tamponade, and pneumothoraces. By expediting diagnosis, POCUS facilitates faster definitive treatment of life-threatening conditions. In pursuing treatment, US continues to serve a role in the form of visually guiding many procedures that were previously done blindly. US guidance of procedures has improved the safety of central line insertion, thoracentesis, and paracentesis, and has an emerging role in lumbar puncture. Experience in bedside US is becoming a vital tool in the clinician's bedside assessment and management, filling a void between the stethoscope and the more advanced studies and interventions available through radiology. Understanding the strengths and limitations of US enables clinicians to identify the appropriate situations in which they can apply this tool confidently.

Real-time ultrasound-guided axillary vein cannulation in children: a randomised controlled trial

The axillary vein is a good site for ultrasound-guided central venous cannulation in terms of infection rate, patient comfort and its anatomical relationship with the clavicle and lungs. We compared real-time ultrasound-guided axillary vein cannulation with conventional infraclavicular landmark-guided subclavian vein cannulation in children. A total of 132 paediatric patients were randomly allocated to either ultrasound-guided axillary vein (axillary group) or landmark-guided subclavian vein (landmark group). The outcomes measured were success rate after two attempts, first-attempt success rate, time to cannulation and complication rate. The success rate after two attempts was 83% in the axillary group compared with 63% in the landmark group (odds ratio 2.85, 95%CI 1.25-6.48, p = 0.010). The first-attempt success rate was 46% for the axillary group and 40% for the landmark group (p = 0.274) and median time to cannulation was 156 s for the axillary group and 180 s for the landmark group (p = 0.286). There were no differences in complication rates between the two groups, although three episodes of subclavian artery puncture occurred in the landmark group (p = 0.08). We conclude that axillary vein cannulation using a real-time ultrasound-guided in-plane technique is useful and effective in paediatric patients.

A comparison of longitudinal and transverse approaches to ultrasound-guided axillary vein cannulation by experienced operators

BACKGROUND

The axillary vein is an easily accessible vessel that can be used for ultrasound-guided central vascular access and offers an alternative to the internal jugular and subclavian veins. The objective of this study was to identify which transducer orientation, longitudinal or transverse, is better for imaging the axillary vein with ultrasound.

METHODS

We analyzed 236 patients who had undergone central venous cannulation of axillary vein in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into two groups, the longitudinal approach group (n=120) and transverse approach group (n=116). Recorded the one-attempt success rate, operation time, arterial puncture rate and pneumothorax rate. We perform chest radiography to confirm pneumothorax on all patients. We compared the one-attempt success rate, operation time, arterial puncture rate and pneumothorax rate between the two groups.

RESULTS

The two groups were comparable with clinical characters of patients. The overall success rates of the longitudinal group and the transverse group were both 100%. The rate of one-attempt success in the longitudinal approach group is higher than the transverse approach group (91.7% vs. 82.8%, P=0.040). The transverse approach group had shorter operation time than the longitudinal group (184.7±8.1 vs. 287.5±19.6 seconds, P=0.000). The two groups had lower postoperative complications. Arterial puncture occurred in 1 of 120 longitudinal and 2 of 116 transverse attempts and this difference was no significant (P=0.541). No pneumothorax occurred in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The longitudinal approach during ultrasound-guided axillary vein cannulation is associated with greater one-attempt success rate compared with the transverse approach by experienced operators. The transverse approach has shorter operation time. The two groups have lower postoperative complications and are comparable with pneumothorax and arterial puncture.

Comparison of the visualisation of the subclavian and axillary veins: An ultrasound study in healthy volunteers

OBJECTIVE

To compare the area of the lumen of the axillary and subclavian veins using ultrasound (US) in 50 healthy volunteers.

METHODS

Using an ultrasound device, depth, area, short axis vein length and long axis vein, vein-artery and vein-pleura distances were measured for axillary and subclavian approaches.

RESULTS

The mean cross-sectional area of the axillary vein was greater than the mean cross-sectional area of the subclavian vein (327±89 mm² versus 124±46 mm², P<0.001). Both the mean transverse (10±2mm versus 9±2mm) and longitudinal axes (39±8mm versus 17±7mm) of the axillary vein were greater than those of subclavian vein (P<0.01, P<0.001, respectively). The depths of the axillary and subclavian veins were similar (21±6mm versus 20±6mm, P=0.43). The axillary and subclavian arteries were visualised in 3 and 45 volunteers, respectively (P<0.001). The pleura was seen in 25 and 37 volunteers with the axillary and subclavian approaches, respectively (P=0.01). The distance between the pleura and the subclavian vein was smaller (6±2mm versus 8±3mm, P<0.04).

CONCLUSION

The present US study shows that visualisation of the axillary vein under US is greater than that for the subclavian vein, mainly due to a better alignment with the long axis of the axillary vein leading to a greater cross-sectional area of the axillary vein.

TRIAL REGISTER NUMBER

NCT01647815.