External jugular venous catheterization with a Groshong catheter for central venous access

Background The Groshong catheter (GC) is commonly used as a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), and the external jugular vein (EJV) is not a common route for central venous access (CVA). Therefore, external jugular venous catheterization (EJVC) using a GC is rare. However, our experience has shown that this procedure is safe and simple for CVA. Purpose To assess the utility of EJVC using the GC for CVA. Methods CVA was done using a GC via the EJV with a single puncture employing the maximal barrier precaution technique. Results Between March 2005 and June 2007, we attempted to perform EJVC using a GC via the EJV for 331 patients. Among of these patients, 301 patients received successful catheterization (success rate: 301/331 = 90.9%). The total period of catheter insertion was 4601 days, and the mean insertion period was 15.1 days (range 2–147 days). The main complications of catheter insertion were malposition (8/301; 2.7%) and, oozing or hematoma formation (8/301; 2.7%). There were no severe complications such as nerve injury, pneumothorax or arterial bleeding. Conclusions Our experience demonstrates that EJVC using the GC is acceptable for CVA. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;98:67–69. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.