Ultrasound (US) guided central venous catheterization of internal jugular vein on over 65-year-old patients versus blind technique.
OBJECTIVE
Performing a central venous catheterization (CVC) on older patients for long-term central intravenous therapy could be a very important procedure. It could be associated with a high incidence of related complications, especially on over 65-year-old, high risk, selected patients.


METHODS
The authors analyzed the results of 72 central venous CVC of internal jugular vein performed on over 65-year-old patients with ultrasound (US) guide from January 1998 to April 2003.


RESULTS
The average performing time was 4 min, with 98.7% of success, 0% of major complications, and 4.1% of minor complications (one mild vagal hypotension and two catheter dislocation).


CONCLUSIONS
The US guided technique is a safer procedure especially in older patients; it affords an easier and more rapid cannulation of a central vein, drastically reducing major and minor complications.
Cajozzo
Massimo
M
Department of Surgery, Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy. msc1@virgilio.it
Cocchiara
Gerlando
G
Greco
Geo
G
Vaglica
Roberto
R
Bartolotta
Tommaso
T
Platia
Lina
L
Modica
Giuseppe
G
D000368:Aged; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006801:Humans; D007022:Hypotension / Q000209:etiology; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional