[Ultrasound-guided central venous cannulation in neuropaediatric patients to avoid measures causing potential

H Trautner1, C-A Greim, H Arzet

  • 1Klinik für Anaesthesiologie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg,Würzburg. htrautner@gmx.de

Der Anaesthesist
|March 8, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation in children is safe and effective without Trendelenburg positioning or PEEP. This method simplifies central venous access in pediatric patients, improving procedural success rates.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Anesthesiology
  • Vascular Access Procedures
  • Ultrasound Guidance

Background:

  • Traditional methods like Trendelenburg position or increased intrathoracic pressure aid internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation in children.
  • These maneuvers are contraindicated in pediatric patients with elevated intracranial pressure.
  • Ultrasound guidance offers a potential alternative for IJV cannulation in neuro-pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation in anesthetized and ventilated pediatric patients.
  • To determine if ultrasound guidance can replace traditional maneuvers like Trendelenburg position or PEEP for IJV access.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study involving 120 pediatric patients (newborns, infants, and small children).
  • Sonographic measurement of the right IJV cross-sectional area in horizontal and Trendelenburg positions with varying levels of PEEP.
  • Ultrasound-guided IJV puncture performed under predetermined position and PEEP conditions.

Main Results:

  • The IJV cross-sectional area increased by 24% with Trendelenburg and 63% with Trendelenburg and PEEP 10 cm H2O.
  • Ultrasound-guided puncture achieved a 98% success rate on the first attempt, with only two patients requiring a second attempt.
  • Cannulation was successful regardless of patient positioning and PEEP levels.

Conclusions:

  • Ultrasound-guided visualization of the IJV allows for easy and safe central venous cannulation in newborns, infants, and small children.
  • Measures such as Trendelenburg position or PEEP are unnecessary for successful IJV puncture when using ultrasound guidance.
  • This technique enhances safety and efficiency of central venous access in pediatric patients.
Abstract