Ultrasound-Guided Right Internal Jugular Vein Cannulation by Operators of Different Experience: A Randomized, Pilot...

Currently, ultrasound-guided (US-guided) internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation is the recommended technique. However, it has a learning curve and might be unsafe in inexperienced hands. The present study aimed to compare the performance and complications with two levels of experience in performing US-guided right IJV cannulation.

With informed consent, 108 procedures were performed after random allocation into two groups based on operator experience. An operator with experience in performing 30 or more ultrasound-guided IJV cannulation was considered an expert. The rate of successful cannulation, the time needed, number of attempts, and complication rate were measured. Quantitative continuous variables were compared using the unpaired student's t-test, and the chi-square test or Fisher's-exact test was used for the comparison of qualitative variables; P-value < 0.05 was considered significant.

The successful cannulation rates were 100% versus 94.44% in the expert and non-expert groups, respectively; (P=0.0803). The mean time for successful cannulation and the percentage of patients who required ≥ two attempts were significantly lower in the expert group (33.28 seconds and 12.96% versus 95.42 seconds and 61.12%). Although the incidence of carotid artery puncture and hematoma (7.4% and 5.56%) was higher in the non-expert group, it was not statistically different; (P=1.00).

US-guided right IJV cannulation has a learning curve, and procedures as many as 30 US-guided IJV cannulation need to be observed and performed under the guidance to achieve it.