Ultrasound Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Ultrasound, including details on screening, diagnosis, pregnancy, detection.

Ultrasound (US) guided central venous catheterization of internal jugular vein on over 65-year-old patients versus blind technique.

Cajozzo M, Cocchiara G, Greco G, Vaglica R, Bartolotta T, Platia L, Modica G

Department of Surgery, Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy. msc1@virgilio.it

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Performing a central venous catheterization (CVC) on older patients for long-term central intravenous therapy could be a very important procedure. It could be associated with a high incidence of related complications, especially on over 65-year-old, high risk, selected patients. METHODS: The authors analyzed the results of 72 central venous CVC of internal jugular vein performed on over 65-year-old patients with ultrasound (US) guide from January 1998 to April 2003. RESULTS: The average performing time was 4 min, with 98.7% of success, 0% of major complications, and 4.1% of minor complications (one mild vagal hypotension and two catheter dislocation). CONCLUSIONS: The US guided technique is a safer procedure especially in older patients; it affords an easier and more rapid cannulation of a central vein, drastically reducing major and minor complications.

Published 3 December 2004 in J Surg Oncol, 88(4): 267-8.
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