[Control of the placement of a central venous catheter using Doppler ultrasound]

Precise placement of central venous catheters is necessary to prevent complications and assure proper functioning. Chest X-ray is the current standard method of locating the catheter tip. This is usually not feasible in the operating room setting, particularly after the induction of anesthesia. Intravascular ECG registration using the catheter as a lead and identification of intra-atrial P-waves has been suggested as an alternative. In the present study we evaluated the use of Doppler sonography as a noninvasive method of locating the catheter tip and detecting faulty placement. Two hundred patients scheduled for insertion of a central venous catheter took part in this study. The catheters were inserted via standard routes (internal or external jugular vein, basilar or cephalic vein). A Doppler sonographic device with a 2 mHz probe was used (Parke Electronics 915L). The probe was applied to the right sternal border and affixed at the position where the characteristic venous flow sound was most distinct. The signals were displayed visually, subjected to spectral analysis, and also recorded for later evaluation. A rapid injection of 2-5 ml isotonic saline causes turbulences which can readily be heard and recognized without special training. The position of every catheter was later confirmed by radiography, and in 159 patients the intraatrial ECG method was subjected to direct comparison with the sonographic method. The turbulences due to the injected fluid were found to cause an increased amplitude at frequencies above 350 Hz. If the catheter tip was positioned correctly there was no discernable time lag between the start of the injection and perception of turbulences.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)