Comparison of internal and external jugular cannulation of the central circulation in the pediatric patient

Ultrasound-guided central venous tip confirmation via right external jugular vein using a right supraclavicular fossa view

Introduction:

Ultrasound-guided central venous catheter tip confirmation has a potential to precisely locate the central venous catheter, preventing its misplacement, using real-time guidance. This observational study sought to determine the accuracy of central venous catheter tip positioning via the external jugular vein via a supraclavicular fossa view under ultrasound guidance.

Methods:

In total, 77 patients scheduled for central venous catheter insertion via the right external jugular vein were enrolled. The depth of central venous catheter insertion was determined by advancing the tip of the guidewire to the junction of the superior vena cava and right pulmonary artery, using a right supraclavicular fossa view ultrasound method. We determined the reference insertion depth to the carina using a postoperative chest x-ray photograph method. We then compared insertion depths obtained by the ultrasound and x-ray photograph methods and body-height formula.

Results:

In total, 62 patients were able to advance the guidewire and underwent ultrasound-guided central venous catheter insertion. In four patients, we corrected for misplaced guidewires. According to Bland–Altman plots, the insertion depth was 0.88 cm shorter for the ultrasound method (95% limits of agreement, −1.66 to 3.41 cm) and 0.90 cm shorter for the formulaic method (95% limits of agreement, −2.77 to 4.56 cm), compared with the x-ray photograph method. The x-ray photograph method had significantly positive correlations with the ultrasound (r = 0.73) and formulaic methods (r = 0.27).

Conclusion:

A right supraclavicular fossa view improves the accuracy of central venous catheter tip positioning and prevents central venous catheter misplacement via the right external jugular vein.

Ultrasound guided internal jugular vein cannulation in infants: Comparative evaluation of novel modified short axis out of plane approach with conventional short axis out of plane approach

Background and Aims:

Central venous cannulation (CVC) through right internal jugular vein (IJV) route is routinely performed in paediatric patients undergoing major surgery and in those admitted to intensive care units. A novel technique (modified short-axis out-of-plane [MSA-OOP]) to improve first pass success rate of ultrasound-guided IJV CVC in neonates and infants is being compared with conventional SA-OOP method.

Methods:

A total of 120 patients were enroled in the study over a period of 6 months. All paediatric patients with age <1 year and weight <10 kg who underwent a major surgery requiring CVC were included. Patients were randomised to either of the two approaches of ultrasound-guided IJV cannulation; SA-OOP and modified SA-OOP (MSA-OOP). In modified approach, the midline of probe footprint was marked with a radio-opaque barium wire that casted a central acoustic shadow on ultrasound screen.

Results:

In MSA-OOP group, 83.1% of patients were cannulated in the first attempt as compared to 49.2% patients in group SA-OOP. Patients in MSA-OOP group required significantly fewer attempts for successful CVC as compared to patients in the SA-OOP group ( MSA-OOP: median = 1, interquartile range [1-1]; SAOOP: median = 2, interquartile range [1-2], P < 0.001, Mann–Whitney U-test).

Conclusion:

The use of MSA-OOP ultrasound technique for IJV CVC cannulation results in a higher first-attempt success rate and reduces the number of cannulation attempts.

Efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein catheterization in low birth weight newborn

BACKGROUND

Central venous catheterization is not the first choice of vascular access in neonates. Success depends on the size of the vessel and the skill of the health professional performing the procedure. The internal jugular vein provides a predictable path for central venous cannulation, although it is more difficult to cannulate infants than adults and even more difficult in smaller newborns.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective study in 100 newborns, in which a 4 Fr ultrasound-guided central venous catheter was placed in the right internal jugular vein (RIJV). The study population was low birth weight (LBW) newborns <2500g, very low birth weight (VLBW) newborns <1500g and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) newborns <1000g.

RESULTS

There were 53% female patients, mean gestational age was 31weeks, mean weight 1352g and the CVC was placed at a mean of 12days of extrauterine life. Birth weight distribution was 39% LBW; 33% VLBW and 28% ELBW. A mean of two (1-8) attempts were necessary with a procedure duration of 16.8 (10-40) minutes. Success of RIJV catheterization was 94%. One attempt was necessary in 50% and up to 5 attempts in 95.7%. Success by weight was VLBW, 97.2%; ELBW, 92.9%; LBW, 91.7%. A venous hematoma occurred in 5% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided RIJV cannulation with real-time visualization to gain access to the central venous circulation in low birth weight newborns is effective and safe.

Ultrasound guidance for central vascular access in the neonatal and pediatric intensive care unit

Background:

Percutaneous central venous cannulation (CVC) in infants and children is a challenging procedure, and it is usually achieved with a blinded, external landmark-guided technique. Recent guidelines from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommend the use of ultrasound guidance for central venous catheterization in children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate this method in a pediatric and neonatal intensive care unit, assessing the number of attempts, access time (skin to vein), incidence of complication, and the ease of use for central venous access in the neonatal age group.

Methods:

After approval by the local departmental ethical committee, we evaluated an ultrasound-guided method over a period of 6 months in 20 critically ill patients requiring central venous access in a pediatric intensive care unit and a neonatal intensive care unit (median age 9 (0–204) months and weight 9.3 (1.9–60) kg). Cannulation was performed after locating the puncture site with the aid of an ultrasound device (8 MHz transducer, Vividi General Electrics^® Burroughs, USA) covered by a sterile sheath. Outcome measures included successful insertion rate, number of attempts, access time, and incidence of complications.

Results:

Cannulation of the central vein was 100% successful in all patients. The right femoral vein was preferred in 60% of the cases. The vein was entered on the first attempt in 75% of all patients, and the median number of attempts was 1. The median access time (skin to vein) for all patients was 64.5 s. No arterial punctures or hematomas occurred using the ultrasound technique.

Conclusions:

In a sample of critically ill patients from a pediatric and neonatal intensive care unit, ultrasound-guided CVC compared with published reports on traditional technique required fewer attempts and less time. It improved the overall success rate, minimized the occurrence of complications during vein cannulation and was easy to apply in neonatal and pediatric patients.

Percutaneous central venous catheterization through the external jugular vein in children: is inserting the guide wire into the superior vena cava essential for successful catheterization?

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The external jugular vein (EJV) is an attractive alternative for percutaneous central venous catheterization (PCVC), with fewer complications. The inability to pass the guide wire into the superior vena cava (SVC) is, however, a major reason for the failure of this approach. The authors report a modification of the Seldinger technique to increase the effectiveness of this procedure in children.

METHODS

Between May 2008 and June 2009, we performed 100 PCVCs consecutively in children using the Seldinger technique through the EJV (Step 1). In cases in which the guide wire could not be passed into the SVC, the guide wire was kept in the EJV; and only the catheter was introduced into the central venous position (Step 2). Differences between the standard and modified Seldinger techniques were analyzed.

RESULTS

The procedure with the standard Seldinger technique (Step 1) was successful in 13 (13%) out of 100 patients. In 84 (96.5%) of the 87 remaining patients, PCVC was achieved with the modified Seldinger technique, without the insertion of the guide wire until the SVC (Step 2). Altogether, 97 catheters (97%) were successfully inserted, with 85 (87.6%) correctly positioned in the SVC. In addition, there were 7 (7%) clinically irrelevant hematomas during catheterization.

CONCLUSIONS

The EJV is an excellent alternative anatomical location for the completion of PCVC in children. Placing the guide wire in a central position is not essential to the success rate of this approach. The proposed modified Seldinger technique allowed PCVC to be performed through the EJV safely and with a high success rate in children and adolescents.

Central venous access via external jugular vein in children

OBJECTIVE

To determine the success rate and complications of using the external jugular (EJ) vein for central venous access in pediatric patients.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study of children who underwent attempts at EJ vein central venous access while receiving care in an 11-bed pediatric intensive care unit at an urban children's hospital.

RESULTS

Over a period of 15 months, 50 patients had EJ venous cannulation attempts. Central venous access was achieved in 45 patients (90%). Successful central venous access was performed in 4 children (50%) younger than 1 year and in 36 older children (98%). Catheter-tip malposition on chest radiograph required subsequent line manipulation in 2 patients. No complications of pneumothorax or carotid artery puncture occurred during line insertion. The catheters were used for an average of 7.5 days (range, 1-28 days). Catheter malfunction occurred in 4 (1.21/100 catheter-days), and catheter-related bloodstream infections occurred in 2 patients (6.04/1000 catheter-days). No thrombotic complications were clinically detected.

CONCLUSIONS

The EJ vein is a viable site for central venous access with a low complication rate in pediatric patients.

External jugular vein catheterization using 'intra-atrial electrocardiogram'

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 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.

Modified anchoring maneuver using pilot puncture needle to facilitate internal jugular vein puncture for small children

OBJECTIVES

Internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation in infants has been reported with varied success using surface landmark. The aim is to share authors experience of modified anchoring technique used in infants.

METHODS

Anchoring maneuver using pilot needle (PN) has been recently described in adults. We have found that if the PN is left in IJV and then i.v. cannula (22G or 24G) is passed just posterior to the puncture point of PN to track down the PN path at 10-20 degree angles from skin, a natural tumbling movement of the PN helped to anchor anterior wall of IJV and facilitated its puncture. The results of 128 punctures performed in infants (<1 years) were analyzed in two groups of <6 months (n = 52) and >6 months to 1 year (n = 76).

RESULTS

In infants weighing 3.5-14 kg, all cannulations were performed successfully. IJV puncture was detected at the entry of i.v. cannula more often in both the groups (81% in <6 months baby and 84% in >6 months baby) than withdrawing it. In 12 (10%) patients, the puncture site was changed to left IJV as carotid artery was punctured in three and failure to localize right IJV in nine patients by surface landmark.

CONCLUSIONS

In authors experience, the described technique detected IJV cannulation at its entry in majority of infants and so the method is less prone to complications related to overshooting of the needle in lack of IJV puncture detection.

The anatomic relationship of femoral vein to femoral artery in euvolemic pediatric patients by ultrasonography: implications for pediatric femoral central venous access

BACKGROUND

Knowledge of the femoral vein (FV) anatomy in pediatric patients is important in the selection of appropriate size central line catheters as well as the approach to central venous access. This knowledge may avoid potential complications during central line access.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the relationship of the FV to the femoral artery (FA). To measure FV diameter and FV depth using ultrasonography (US) in newborns, infants, and children up to 9 years of age.

METHODS

This study was a prospective descriptive study at a tertiary care children's hospital. A convenience sample of euvolemic children was enrolled aged 0-9 years presenting to an urban pediatric emergency department. All patients underwent a standardized US evaluation using a Sonosite Titan bedside machine by a single emergency physician. The FA and FV were identified by four criteria: relative positions, FV compressibility, FV enlargement by Valsalva maneuver, and absence of FV pulsatility. The position of the FV relative to the FA was described as being completely overlapped by the FA, having partial (<50%) overlap by the FA, and having no overlap by the FA. The FV depth was measured from the skin to the superior border of the vein using the US machine's caliper function.

RESULTS

A total of 84 patients were studied. The FV was found to be completely overlapped by the FA in 8% of subjects and partially overlapped by the FA in 4% of subjects. The mean FV diameter ranged from 4.5 mm in young infants to 10.8 mm in patients 9 years of age. The mean FV depth ranged from 6.5 mm in neonates to 11.2 mm in patients 9 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

External landmarks were not always predictive of internal anatomy. The FV was completely or partially overlapped by the FA in 12% of cases. Thus, visualization of femoral vessels should be recommended prior to attempting pediatric femoral central venous access.

Vascular access for home intravenous therapy in children

This review article describes the vascular access devices available for long-term vascular access in children, describes the procedures for implanting them and the sites available for this purpose, discusses the complications associated with catheter placement and how to avoid them, and compares the various catheter systems in terms of their advantages and disadvantages.

A randomized-controlled study of ultrasound prelocation vs anatomical landmark-guided cannulation of the internal jugular vein in infants and children

BACKGROUND

A specifically designed ultrasound scanner may be helpful in percutaneous cannulation of the internal jugular vein in pediatric patients. We report a new two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound prelocation (UL) technique using a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) intraoperative probe instead of the portable scanner, and have compared the new technique with conventional anatomical landmark method (AL) for central venous catheterization in infants and children.

METHODS

Sixty-two infants (body weight <12 kg) undergoing elective surgery for congenital heart disease were randomized into two groups. In the AL group, the landmark for cannulation was the palpation of the common carotid pulsation or the sternocleidomastoid triangle. In the UL group, the central vein was located by 2D ultrasonic imaging using a TEE intraoperative probe for HP SONOS 4500. The number of cannulation attempts, success rate, and complication rate were recorded.

RESULTS

For the UL and AL groups, the cannulation success rate was 100% and 80% (P < 0.05), the incidence of arterial puncture was 3.1% and 26.7% (P < 0.025), and the number of attempts was 1.57 +/- 1.04 and 2.55 +/- 1.76 (P < 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Two-dimensional ultrasound prelocated central venous catheterization in infants and children is convenient and can markedly increase cannulation success rate and reduce the incidence of complications.

Prospective analysis of percutaneous central venous catheterization in infants <4.0 kg undergoing cardiac surgery

Our previous study showed that the success rate of cannulation of the internal jugular vein (IJV) was significantly decreased in infants weighing less than 4.0 kg. We prospectively evaluated results of central venous catheterization in 101 infants weighing less than 4.0 kg undergoing cardiac surgery. The first attempt was routinely performed on the right IJV. If the first attempt failed, the anesthesiologist was free to choose the cannulation site. We examined the effects of patient weight and the experience of the anesthesiologist on successful central catheterization and efficacy of the external jugular vein (EJV) if the first attempt failed. The first right IJV cannulation was successful in 53 infants (52.5%) and the overall successful catheterization rate was 82.2%. Success rates of cannulation of the right IJV, left IJV, and EJV were 64, 13, and 6%, respectively. Body weight contributed significantly to successful catheterization, but the experience of the anesthesiologist did not. These results suggest that EJV cannulation improves the successful central catheterization in infants weighing less than 4.0 kg if IJV cannulation fails. Body weight of an infant, but not the experience of the anesthesiologist, contributed to successful catheterization in this patient population.

Audio-Doppler guidance using a small-caliber Doppler probe for internal jugular venous puncture for central venous catheterization in infants and children

BACKGROUND

We evaluated an audio-Doppler with a small-caliber probe as a guide for central venous cannulation (CVC) via the internal jugular vein (IJV) in infants and children.

METHODS

The right IJV was located with a small-caliber (2.0 mm in diameter) audio-Doppler probe using 10 MHz ultrasound. The probe was placed on the neck about the level of sixth cervical vertebra and was moved until the crisp pulsatile sound of the carotid artery was identified. Then the probe was moved laterally to identify the low-pitched venous hum of the right IJV. After marking the puncture site on the skin, a sterile cannulation procedure was performed. Ultimate success rate, cannulation time < 10 min, successful cannulation within three punctures, and complications were recorded.

RESULTS

Ultimate success rate was 65.6% (42/64) in infants (< 12 m), and 94.7% (72/76) in children (12 m or older). Cannulation time < 10 min was 48.4% in infants, and 85.5% in children. Successful cannulation within three punctures was 45.3% in infants and 82.8% in children. Three carotid arterial punctures occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

We were not able to demonstrate absolute superiority of the results utilizing this device over the reported results of traditional landmark techniques for CVC via the right IJV. However, this device may contribute to reducing complications and be of value in teaching residents where to insert a needle for an internal jugular puncture.

Clinical review: vascular access for fluid infusion in children

The current literature on venous access in infants and children for acute intravascular access in the routine situation and in emergency or intensive care settings is reviewed. The various techniques for facilitating venous cannulation, such as application of local warmth, transillumination techniques and epidermal nitroglycerine, are described. Preferred sites for central venous access in infants and children are the external and internal jugular veins, the subclavian and axillary veins, and the femoral vein. The femoral venous cannulation appears to be the most safe and reliable technique in children of all ages, with a high success and low complication rates. Evidence from the reviewed literature strongly supports the use of real-time ultrasound techniques for venous cannulation in infants and children. Additionally, in emergency situations the intraosseous access has almost completly replaced saphenous cutdown procedures in children and has decreased the need for immediate central venous access.

A controlled study of transesophageal echocardiography to guide central venous catheter placement in congenital heart surgery patients

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and central venous catheter (CVC) placement are often used during congenital cardiac surgery. Complications of CVC placement include cardiac perforation, inadvertent arterial placement, and erroneous hemodynamic data from unrecognized malposition. In this study, we used a prospective, randomized, controlled design to evaluate the use of TEE to guide depth of insertion and confirm superior vena cava cannulation, and to improve the percentage of correctly placed CVCs and reduce complications of CVC placement. One hundred forty-five patients were studied. Eighty patients were randomized to have subclavian vein insertion, 64 to have internal jugular insertion, and 1 to have external jugular insertion of CVC. TEE-guided CVC placement resulted in 100% correct placement when assessed by preoperative TEE, versus 86% in the control group (72 of 72 vs. 63 of 73; P = 0.01). There was no difference in correct placement between the two groups when assessed by postoperative chest radiograph (81.9% TEE versus 75.3% control; P = not significant). One significant complication, a superior vena cava perforation, occurred in the control group. Time to placement was 9.6 min in the TEE group versus 8.0 min in the control group (P = 0.015).

IMPLICATIONS

Transesophageal echocardiography can be used to guide central venous catheter placement in congenital heart surgery. Central venous catheters that seem to be located high in the right atrium by chest radiograph in these patients are often actually in the superior vena cava and pose little risk of cardiac perforation.

Teaching successful central venous cannulation in infants and children: audio Doppler versus anatomic landmarks

OBJECTIVE

To determine if vein localization with an audio Doppler increases successful central venous cannulation and decreases complications in infants and children when performed by inexperienced operators, compared with vein localization by anatomic landmarks (ALs).

DESIGN

A prospective cohort of infants and children undergoing central venous cannulation for cardiac surgery.

SETTING

A university-affiliated children's hospital with a pediatric anesthesia fellowship program.

PARTICIPANTS

All infants and children undergoing cardiac surgery between July 1, 1996, and January 1, 1997.

INTERVENTIONS

Subjects had central venous catheters (CVCs) placed by an anesthesia fellow by either ALs or audio-Doppler localization of the veins.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Eighty-four children were studied. Internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation was attempted in 71 (85%) children and femoral vein cannulation in 13 (15%) children. Time to catheter insertion, number of needle passes, and artery puncture were noted. Sixty-one of 63 (97%) children had successful central venous cannulation by an anesthesia fellow using audio-Doppler vein localization. This was significantly greater than the 13 of 21 (62%) successful cannulations among children who had veins localized by ALs. Time to insertion did not differ by method of vein localization; however, the number of needle passes was significantly greater in the AL group. Artery puncture did not differ significantly by method of vein localization.

CONCLUSION

Vein localization by audio Doppler significantly increases the rate of successful central venous cannulation and decreases the number of needle passes in pediatric patients when used by inexperienced operators.

Femoral vascular catheterization in critically ill infants and children

The success rate and complications from femoral arterial and venous catheterization in infants and children in a university affiliate pediatric intensive care unit were determined prospectively over a 2-year period. We also performed a meta-analysis from published literature to determine the combined estimates of noninfectious and infectious complications (with 95% confidence limits) using the inverse variance-weighted method. Success rates were 94.5% and 94.4% for femoral arterial (n=110) and venous (n=89) catheterizations, respectively, and were related to operator expertise, age, and hemodynamic status. Median age was 2.4 years and 1.1 year for arterial and venous catheterizations, respectively. Immediate complications were hematoma (10.9% arterial, 16.8% venous) and minor bleeding (13.6% arterial, 13.5% venous). Decreased pulses occurred with 7.7% of arterial catheterizations, and lower limb swelling occurred in 9.5% of venous catheterizations. Vascular complications occurred only in infants and resolved within 7-14 days. Catheter-related infections occurred in 1.9% of arterial and 3.6% of venous catheterizations. The mean duration of catheterization was 5.3 days and 6.3 days with femoral arterial and venous catheterizations, respectively. Meta-analysis of published studies shows that the estimates for noninfectious complications were 5.0%, 10.1%, 1.1%, and 1.8% for femoral arterial, femoral venous, axillary arterial, and nonfemoral venous catheters, respectively. The estimates for catheter-related infection were 2.5%, 3.7%, and 3.0% for femoral arterial, femoral venous, and nonfemoral venous catheters, respectively. The meta-analytic estimates for complication rates from published literature are not significantly different from the rates observed in our study. Femoral arterial and venous catheterization in infants and children are safe with an expected high success rate and acceptably low complication rates.

Monitoring during paediatric cardiac anaesthesia

Monitoring of paediatric anaesthesia has become increasingly more complex in recent years and this is particularly true of cardiac anaesthesia. The purpose of this review is to give a comprehensive update of published material related to both routine and specialized cardiac monitoring. Routine monitoring can be particularly affected by the alterations of cardiac rhythm, blood flow, cardiac output and oxygenation which result from the congenital heart abnormalities themselves, the type of surgery undertaken and the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass. The use of specialized monitoring is becoming more widespread, particularly in the areas of cerebral function, mixed venous oxygenation, cardiac output measurement and coagulation. In the last five years, with the development of smaller probes, a great deal has been published on transoesophageal echocardiography. The use of the current monitors of cerebral function still remains controversial despite the need for a monitor of adequate brain perfusion, reflecting the need for a great deal of further research in this area. This review will concentrate on particular areas which have seen the most profound changes and on monitoring that may form the standards of tomorrow. Finally, amongst all the technology, it should not be forgotten that the most important clinical monitor is the bedside clinical monitoring of the physicians themselves.

Pediatric endomyocardial biopsy performed solely with echocardiographic guidance

Endomyocardial biopsy has had limited utilization for the diagnosis of myocardial disease in the pediatric population. Through the use of echocardiography for guidance, we attempted 155 consecutive biopsies in 33 patients. A successful biopsy was performed 151 times, including 48 (31%) in infants less than 6 months of age. Biopsies were performed with a right internal jugular approach using 3F, 5F, and 7F bioptomes. A combination of apical four-chamber and parasternal short-axis views could visualize the passage of the bioptome into the ventricle and the action of the jaws. There was no case of ventricular perforation. After biopsy one transplant recipient was left with an increase in the amount of preexisting tricuspid regurgitation by color flow mapping echocardiography. These results demonstrate that echocardiographically guided endomyocardial biopsies may be safely performed over a wide range of patient sizes. The increased portability, lack of radiation exposure, and the simultaneous visualization of the bioptome and chamber wall combined with these results indicate that echocardiographically guided endomyocardial biopsies should be considered the technique of choice for the pediatric population.

Vascular access techniques and devices in the pediatric patient

Vascular access is a sine qua non in the management of pediatric surgical patients. The indications, as well as the number of available access routes, types of devices, and their use, have expanded over the last two decades. This article is an overview intended to allow the surgeon to match the safest and most effective access to the child's therapeutic needs. It also contains descriptions of sites for percutaneous and cut-down vascular access in children, as well as the author's personal approach to central venous access. Vascular access in children requires skill, time, patience, and the appropriate equipment. Fortunately, with attention to detail, most complications can be avoided.

Central venous access in children via the external jugular vein

Sixty-two children undergoing cardiac surgery were surveyed for the presence of external jugular veins. When present, these were used as a route for central venous catheterisation using a 'J' wire Seldinger technique. Only 54% of attempted insertions were successful but the results support greater efficacy in older children.

The CCSG prospective study of venous access devices: an analysis of insertions and causes for removal

This is an interval analysis of the 2-year prospective multicenter Childrens Cancer Study Group study of 1,141 chronic venous access devices in 1,019 children with cancer. Device type was external catheter (EC) 72%, totally implantable (TID) 28%, and did not differ for diagnosis or age except more double-lumen devices in bone marrow transplant protocols (77%) and more TIDs in children less than 1 year old (17.7%). Insertion characteristics evaluated in 1,078 (95%) were: operating room placement 99%; general anesthesia 98%; cutdown 67%; percutaneous 33%; atrial position 50%, caval position 50%; and perioperative antibiotics 48%. Vein entry was the external jugular 33%, internal jugular 22%, subclavian 35%, cephalic 7%, and saphenous 3%. Insertion was difficult or very difficult in only 10% and operative complications occurred in only 0.7%. Degree of difficulty bore no relationship to device type or patient age. The reasons for removal in 736 devices (67%) were due to complications in 39%, of which infections were the most frequent. There was some variance between centers ranging from 8.5% to 31% for infection; 2.8% to 24% for dislodgment; and 0% to 13% for occlusion. ECs had a higher risk of dislodgment; elective removals were more frequent in TIDs; there was no difference in infection as a cause for removal between ECs and TIDs. Dislodgment was associated with the shortest distance of the cuff to the skin exit (mean, 4 cm): less than or equal to 2 cm, 49%; greater than 2 cm, 28% (P = .009) and occurred most frequently in the younger patient (18.9%, 0 to 1 years; 0.5%, greater than 8 years.

Central venous access via the external jugular vein in cardiovascular surgery

In 115 consecutive adult patients scheduled for cardiovascular surgery, 150 catheterizations of the innominate or superior caval veins via an external jugular vein were attempted. The Seldinger technique was employed. In 99 (96-100)% of the attempts a straight, J-modified straight or a J-wire could be passed into the central venous system. One hundred and forty-six (97 (93-99)% of the subsequent catheter insertions were successful. Thirty-five patients had bilateral catheter insertions. Both sides proved to be equally suitable. Six anesthetists participated in the study and the longest catheterization time was 16 min. All catheterization procedures were uncomplicated.