Is routine ultrasound guidance for central line placement beneficial? A prospective analysis

Portable ultrasound devices have become more readily available in the intensive care unit setting, but their utility outside of controlled trials remains unproven. We sought to determine how the availability of ultrasound guidance affected the types and number of complications during central line placement.

Review of a prospectively maintained database in a 20-bed combined intensive care unit. Procedure notes from all attempts at internal jugular vein access from 1996 to 2001 were recorded, and selected patient records were reviewed. Ultrasound guidance was available beginning in March 1998.

From 1996 to 2001, there were 484 documented attempts at internal jugular central line placement. Most procedures (83%) were performed by first- or second-year residents. During this period, there were 47 complications for an overall complication rate of 10%. These included 1 pneumothorax (2%), 6 carotid punctures (13%), 2 hematomas (4%), and 34 unsuccessful attempts (72%). There was no significant difference in age, sex, body-mass index, or intubation status between those with and without complications or between the ultrasound and anatomic landmark groups. Ultrasound was used in 179 (37%) attempts. The overall complication rate with ultrasound was 11% versus 9% using anatomic landmarks (p = NS). The complication rate prior to the availability of ultrasound was 15 of 114 attempts (13%) versus 32 of 370 attempts (9%) after the introduction of ultrasound in our intensive care unit (p = NS). Analysis of the 370 procedures performed since ultrasound became available demonstrated a complication rate of 11% with ultrasound guidance versus 6% without (p = 0.09). There was no significant difference in complication rates by resident year group or department (surgery vs. other). However, procedures performed after-hours (1800 to 0800) were associated with a 15% complication rate versus 6% for procedures performed during the workday (p < 0.05).

The availability and use of ultrasound guidance for central line placement by junior residents has not resulted in an improvement in procedure-related complications. The complication profile was not affected by ultrasound use, patient factors, or resident year in training. There was a higher complication rate associated with procedures performed at night that may be caused by resident fatigue or unavailability of senior supervision.