INJURE TO THE VAGUS NERVE IN THE PUNCTURE AND CATHETERIZATION OF THE INTERNAL JUGULAR VEIN

Catheterization of the central veins during intensive therapy is followed by a high risk of mechanical complications. Considering anatomical interrelation in the neurovascular bundle of the neck, it is highly probable that the vagus nerve is damaged in the puncture of the internal jugular vein (IJV). However, lacking awareness of medical personnel and knowledge of the clinical picture of damage of the valgus nerve don’t allow to prevent and register the complications. The purpose of the study is to use US when diagnosing location of the vagus nerve to prevent its damage during the puncture and catheterization of the IJV. IJV US examinations were performed in 100 children aged 2 weeks to 17 years with various emergencies in the process of intense therapy to reveal anatomical interrelations between the internal jugular vein, carotid artery and vagus nerve. In 30 children US was performed following catheterization of the IJV (static method) with the following selection of the safest vascular IJV approach. 26 patients underwent a dynamic method of US guiding control when performing catheterization of the IJV. A retrospective analysis of a number of case records is done for the patients at the resuscitation department with suspicion of the vagus nerve damage due to catheterization of the IJV. Results – preliminary US examinations of the vascular bundle in all children allowed to visualize the valgus nerve. Selection of an optimal and safe approach to the IJV using the data of US statistical method and catheterization under US guidance enabled successful catheterization of the IJV avoiding mechanical complications. Retrospective analysis of case records revealed the complications not registered in the medical records.