Why the study?
Does ultrasound guidance reduce the incidence of carotid artery puncture during central venous line insertion?
Does ultrasound guidance reduce the incidence of carotid artery puncture during central venous line insertion?
No quantitative data available to guide ultrasound use for central lines; leaves open effect on carotid puncture rates.
Review of the literature suggests a decrease in complication rates when using ultrasound guidance in central venous line (CVL) placement. Carotid artery puncture is the most common complication of attempted internal jugular vein catheterisation with an incidence of 2 to 8%. This audit reviewed our local practice in CVL insertion techniques and carotid artery puncture rates for the period May 2008 to May 2009. The findings were reported and a repeat audit was performed for the period of February 2010 to February 2011. The results were interesting.
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Mulvany et al. (2012) studied this question.
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