INTRODUCTION
Central vein cannulation is the standard clinical method for monitoring central venous
pressure (CVP) in operating room and ICU. Internal jugular vein (IJV) is the most
common vein used by anesthesiologists. Serious complications may be associated
with IJV catheterization. As with most medical procedures, the level of experience of
the physician reduces the risk of complications.
1
Seldinger technique (catheter over
guide-wire) has been an extremely useful and safe method of inserting all types of
central venous access lines since 1956. However, central venous catheterization
continues to be associated with significant complications approximately 10% of the
time.
1-3 Use of ultrasound during central venous catheterization can reduce rate of
complications, but it is not used routinely.
4
Finder needle is usually used for reducing
its arterial complications, but its roll was questioned.
2
We studied finder needle use
and complications rate in IJV catheterization in elective adult cardiac surgery.
METHODS
In a 3 month period from august to November 2007 all adult patients undergoing
cardiac surgery in two university hospitals, were studied prospectively. Patient's
anesthesia and surgical teams were blind about what data were being collected.
Patients of emergency or redo operations, same day reoperation because of tamponade
or hemorrhage, apparent preoperative coagulupathy and renal failure were excluded
from study. Demographic, intraoperative and 48 hour ICU stay period data were
collected. From a total of 399 eligible patients, 42 patients were excluded from study
because of reoperation or mechanical ventilation dependency more than 24 hours.
Remaining 357 patients were enrolled in the study. Premedication, anesthesia
induction and arterial catheterization performed as routine for all patients.