Using ultrasound magnetic needle navigation technique for vascular cannulation: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Recently developed ultrasound magnetic field navigation technology allows to visualize the needle and project needle trajectory. The aim of this review was to assess performance with ultrasound magnetic needle navigation technique for vascular cannulation compared to the conventional ultrasound technique.

The systematic review was conducted according to the guideline for reporting systematic reviews (PRISMA). Ovid Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases were searched for eligible studies. Meta-analysis was performed to compare the outcomes between two techniques.

A total of eight randomized controlled studies with 495 participants were included. For central venous cannulation, the ultrasound magnetic navigation technique was associated with significantly higher out of plane success rate (RR = 1.17, 95% CI = [1.07, 1.29]), significantly lower rate of posterior wall puncture (RR = 0.30, 95% CI = [0.11, 0.80]), and lower rate of artery puncture (RR = 0.14, 95% CI = [0.04, 0.45]).

For ultrasound-guided central venous cannulation the magnetic needle positioning technique is associated with higher success rate for out of plane cannulation approach and less complications in comparison to conventional ultrasound.