Comparison of Real-Time Ultrasonography Guided Versus Conventional Anatomical Landmark Guided Central Venous Cannulation

Background: Ultrasonography provides ‘real-time' imaging thus reducing chance of complications while placing a central venous catheter. Placement of catheter becomes faster than conventional method. We performed a study in adults to compare USG guided central venous cannulation with conventional anatomical landmark technique in terms of ease of cannulation, number of attempts, success or failure rate, time consumed for successful cannulation and associated complications. Methods: Patients were randomized into two groups. In Group A, central venous cannulation was done by conventional anatomical landmark guided technique. In Group B, USG guided central venous cannulation was done. Data regarding patient demography, number of attempts, site and side of cannulation, time taken for each successful cannulation and any complication in terms of arterial puncture, hematoma, hemothorax, pneumothorax and misplacement were recorded. Thereafter intergroup comparison was done. Results: Both groups were comparable in terms of number of attempts, success or failure rate and complications of the procedure. Mean time taken for successful cannulation in Group A was 438 seconds and in Group B it was 224 seconds (p 0.004) which is statistically significant. Conclusion: We conclude that USG guided central venous cannulation is faster than conventional anatomical landmark guided technique.