Evaluation of a central venous catheter tip placement for superior vena cava–subclavian central venous catheterization using a premeasured length: A retrospective study. Issue 2 (January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kwon, Hyun-Jung; Jeong, Young-Il; Jun, In-Gu; Moon, Young-Jin; Lee, Yu-Mi
• Other Names: Ting. Chien-Kun section editor.
• Is Part Of: Medicine. Volume 97:Issue 2(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-01
• Subjects: carina -- chest radiograph -- placement -- subclavian central venous catheterization -- superior vena cava; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Périodiques; Geneeskunde; Medicine; Periodicals; Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000009600
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-7974

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: Subclavian central venous catheterization is a common procedure for which misplacement of the central venous catheter (CVC) is a frequent complication that can potentially be fatal. The carina is located in the mid-zone of the superior vena cava (SVC) and is considered a reliable landmark for CVC placement in chest radiographs. The C-length, defined as the distance from the edge of the right transverse process of the first thoracic spine to the carina, can be measured in posteroanterior chest radiographs using a picture archiving and communication system. To evaluate the placement of the tip of the CVC in subclavian central venous catheterizations using the C-length, we reviewed the medical records and chest radiographs of 122 adult patients in whom CVC catheterization was performed (from January 2012 to December 2014) via the right subclavian vein using the C-length. The tips of all subclavian CVCs were placed in the SVC using the C-length. No subclavian CVC entered the right atrium. Tip placement was not affected by demographic characteristics such as age, sex, height, weight, and body mass index. The evidence indicates that the C-length on chest radiographs can be used to determine the available insertion length and place the right subclavian CVC tip into the SVC.