[Ultrasound guidance for placement of central venous catheters]

Central venous cannulation is associated with a number of serious complications like arterial punction and pneumothorax and with discomfort for the awake patient when repeated attempts are made. Ultrasound guidance during cannulation has been shown to reduce complications, increase the success rate and thus reduce the need for multiple catheter placement attempts. We describe two methods using ultrasound for central venous cannulation and we recommend the use of ultrasound guidance, particularly in high-risk patients.