EFFECT OF APNEA AND HEAD POSITION ON THE LOCA TION OF VENOUS CATHETERS INSERTED VIA BASILIC VEINS

Abstract

Incorrectly placed central venous catheters for monitoring central venous pressure in patients undergoing various cardiac surgery procedures is a common problem faced by cardiac anesthetists. In an attempt to reduce the frequency of this problem, this study was performed to compare the results of 200 CVP catheter placementsin two groups of patients, one group with the head turned ipsilaterally and the second group in addition to head position, patient apnea during insertion. Results showed a significant reduction in the percentage of incorrectly placed catheters in the second group (3% vs. 16%). We conclude that turning the patient"s head ipsilaterally associated with apnea during insertion of central venous catheters can significantly reduce the rate of incorrect catheter position in patients in whom this type of monitoring is indicated.