Subclavian Vein Catheterization using the 90° Angle Technique: A New Technical Trial

The objective of this study is to examine the outcome of subclavian vein catheterizations using the 90 angle technique. Design: This was a retrospective study. Setting: The study was conducted at the operating room in the university hospital. Participants: A total of 454 patients undergone craniotomy, including 18-70 years aged, and evaluated as the American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II-III status were selected. Interventions: Subclavian vein catheter was inserted to the patients using 90 angle technique. Measurements and Main Results: The number (n) and frequency (%) of pneumothorax, difficulty level, number of attempts during the process (n), duration of intervention (s), anesthetist satisfaction, and number (n) and frequency (%) of other complications were analyzed. Pneumothorax occurred in three patients (0.6%). The difficulty level of the process was graded 1 (easy) in 454 patients (100%). Subclavian catheter was successful in 450 patients (99%) in the first attempt and 4 patients (1%) in the second attempt. The duration of intervention was determined to be 45 32.1 s on average. The performing anesthetist's satisfaction was 100% (median minimum-maximum: 1.0 (1.0-1.0). The number of other complications (arterial puncture, pneumothorax, and catheter misplacement) was 6 (1.2%). Of all these patients, three had pneumothorax, one had arterial puncture, and two had misplaced catheters. Conclusion: In our study, easy and short time applicability and fewer number of attempts along with low complication rates were obtained in 454 patients, on whom subclavian vein catheterization was performed using the 90 angle technique.