Premium
Duplex Doppler Ultrasound Identifies Veins Suitable for Insertion of Central Feeding Catheters
Author(s) -
Mcintyre Alistair S.,
Levison Rosemary A.,
Srn Susanne Wood,
Phillips Robin K.S.,
LennardJones John E.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
journal of parenteral and enteral nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.935
H-Index - 98
eISSN - 1941-2444
pISSN - 0148-6071
DOI - 10.1177/0148607192016003264
Subject(s) - medicine , subclavian vein , duplex (building) , central venous catheter , ultrasound , catheter , doppler effect , radiology , parenteral nutrition , central line , enteral administration , ultrasonography , vein , lower limbs venous ultrasonography , surgery , dna , genetics , physics , astronomy , biology
Central venous access for feeding catheters may prove difficult in patients who have had numerous previous central line insertions or complications. Duplex Doppler ultrasound was used to identify the anatomy and patency of major central veins in 11 patients in whom attempts at obtaining central venous access by an experienced operator had failed at least once and in 40 control subjects. Doppler ultrasound demonstrated the subclavian veins (diameter 12.5 ± 3.5 mm, mean ± SE) and internal jugular veins (11 ± 3.5 mm) in all the control subjects. In the patients, 18 of 44 veins were patent, 11 were small or had low blood flow, and 15 were thrombosed. In 7 patients who required central feeding catheter insertion, a suitable vein was identified and the catheter suitably placed, even in 3 subjects where no central vein was considered normal. Duplex Doppler ultrasonography is a useful technique for identifying veins suitable for the insertion of central venous lines when access has previously proved difficult. ( Journal of Paren teral and Enteral Nutrition 16: 264–267, 1992)