Internal jugular vein cannulation: How much safety can we offer?

Abstract Introduction Central venous catheterization, performed by the anatomical landmark technique, has a mechanical complication rate between 5% and 19%. This technique has been modified and new approaches have been implemented aiming to improve patient safety. With the introduction of ultrasonography in the clinical practice, and recently in central venous catheter insertion, the rate of complications has dropped over time. Objective To measure the clinical application of the algorithm “Successful ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein cannulation”. Methods A descriptive, prospective, case series study. Patients over 18 years of age were selected, and the informed consent documentation was filled out appropriately. Patients with masses, anatomical abnormalities, insertion site infections and coagulopathy (International Normalized Ratio [INR] ≥ 2.0, platelet count ≤50.000) were excluded. Central venous cannulation was performed under ultrasound guidance in accordance with safety recommendations from the Anaesthesia Department of the Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota University Hospital (HUFSFB). Adjustment and validation of the algorithm was done according to an expert consensus in our department. A descriptive univariate analysis was conducted, and efficacy was determined on the basis of the number of attempts to achieve successful venous cannulation, and the incidence of complications. Results This series included 38 patients with a mean age of 62 years. In 97.4% of the cases, successful venous cannulation was achieved on the first attempt. Guidewire displacement was observed in one case, requiring a second attempt. The posterior jugular vein wall was punctured in two patients (5.2%), with no associated arterial vascular injury or pneumothorax. Conclusions This algorithm resulted in a high rate of successful first attempts and the prevention of potential complications, improving operational standards and healthcare quality for the patients.