[Significance of ultrasonics in the placement of a central venous catheter].
An ultrasound investigation was undertaken of the neck region of 42 patients with normal neck anatomy in order to determine whether the results of ultrasound-gained topographical data provided pointers to the choice of entry site to the internal jugular vein (IJV). In addition, the IJV was punctured under ultrasound control in 23 patients in an intensive care unit in whom there was a problem of increased bleeding tendency, anatomical difficulty or previously failed "blind" puncture. In all of them a central venous catheter was placed without complication by the Seldinger technique via the primary chosen point for puncture. An approach through the sternocleidomastoid muscle, between the cricoid level and the "central" place of puncture between the two bellies of the sternocleidomastoid muscle proved to be the most satisfactory compromise between easy application of the ultrasound head, large vein diameter and reduction of any risk of mistakenly puncturing artery or pleura. This approach has to be varied according to the ultrasound findings. It is concluded from this experience that ultrasound is suitable for the placement of central venous catheters. But since the equipment is bulky it cannot be used in an emergency.
D000328:Adult; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D007601:Jugular Veins; D008297:Male; D009333:Neck; D011677:Punctures; D014463:Ultrasonography
Bedeutung der Sonographie für die Applikation zentralvenöser Katheter.