Modified dynamic needle tip positioning short-axis, out-of-plane, ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation in neonates improves the first-attempt and total success rates and decreases the total procedural time and incidence of cannulation-related complications.

Objective This prospective randomized controlled study aimed to compare the ultrasound-guided (USG) technique with the standard single-wall puncture technique for epicutaneo-caval catheter (ECC) placement in neonates. Study Design A total of 100 neonates were included in this study. All enrolled neonates were randomly divided into two groups (n = 50): the USG group and the control group. The control group underwent standard single-wall puncture for ECC placement procedures, and the USG group underwent USG ECC placement procedures. Results The first attempt success rates (62 vs. 38%; p = 0.016) and the total success rates (92 vs. 74%; p = 0.017) were higher in the USG group than in the control group. The procedure time was shorter in the USG group than in the control group: 351.43 (112.95) versus 739.78 seconds (369.13), p < 0.001. The incidence of adverse events was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion Compared with the standard single-wall puncture method, USG cannulation is superior for neonatal ECC placement, with a higher success rate, and decreases the total procedural time. Key Points

BACKGROUND The modified dynamic needle tip positioning (MDNTP) technique for ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation (MDNTP-US technique) in neonates can be technically challenging for trainee anaesthesiologists. We hypothesised that by associating the MDNTP-US technique with hypodermic 0.9% sodium chloride (Saline MDNTP-US technique), which increases the subcutaneous radial artery depth, the procedure would become easier for trainee anaesthesiologists. OBJECTIVE To compare the Saline MDNTP-US technique, with the MDNTP-US technique for radial artery catheterisation in neonates by trainee anaesthesiologists with limited experience. DESIGN Randomised controlled trial. PATIENTS Ninety-six neonates scheduled to undergo major abdominal surgery requiring continuous arterial pressure monitoring between May 2018 and December 2018 at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were enrolled. Neonates with signs of skin erosions or haematomas at or near the insertion site, as well as those with low noninvasive blood pressure values, were excluded. INTERVENTION Neonates were randomised to the Saline MDNTP-US and MDNTP-US groups in a 1 : 1 ratio. Twelve trainees performed the cannulation procedures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Duration of procedure, first attempt success rate, rate of success within 10 min, and the incidence of haematoma and thrombosis. RESULTS The median [IQR] time to perform cannulation was less for the Saline MDNTP-US technique than for the MDNTP-US technique: 203 [160 to 600] vs. 600 s [220 to 600]; P = 0.005. The rate of success within 10 min, 72.9 vs. 47.9%; P = 0.012, was higher in the Saline MDNTP-US group than in the MDNTP-US group. The incidence of haematoma on postoperative day 1 was lower in the Saline MDNTP-US group than in the MDNTP-US group: 8.3 vs. 22.9%; P = 0.049. CONCLUSION Trainee anaesthesiologists can achieve higher success rates by using the Saline MDNTP-US technique instead of the MDNTP-US technique for radial artery catheterisation in neonates, taking less time with a lower incidence of complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION ChiCTR-IOR-17014119 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry).

Background: Ultrasound-guided central venous catheter placement has significantly improved the success rate of punctures and reduced the risk of complications. However, catheterizing the internal jugular vein under ultrasound guidance in neonates remains challenging. Methods: Ninety-six patients were screened for eligibility in this randomized controlled trial between November 2018 and October 2019. After meeting the inclusion criteria, 90 term neonates undergoing cardiothoracic, general, or neurosurgery procedures were randomly assigned to the modified dynamic needle tip positioning short-axis ( n = 45) or long-axis groups ( n = 45) using a computer-generated random numbers table. The primary outcome was the first-attempt success rate. The secondary outcomes included the total success rate, cannulation time, and incidence of cannulation-related complications, including hematoma, accidental arterial puncture, or pneumothorax. Data were compared between the two groups. Results: The success rate for the first attempt was higher (88.9% vs 64.4%; p = 0.001; relative risk, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–1.8), while the cannulation time was shorter (171.0 ± 47.8 s vs 304.4 ± 113.5 s; p = 0.001; estimated difference, −133.4; 95% confidence interval, −170.1 to −96.7), in the modified dynamic needle tip positioning short-axis group compared with the long-axis group. Six hematomas and two common carotid artery punctures were identified in the long-axis group, while none were identified in the modified dynamic needle tip positioning short-axis group. Conclusions: The modified dynamic needle tip positioning short-axis out-of-plane technique enhanced the procedural efficacy and safety of internal jugular vein catheterization in neonates.

Background Rapid central venous catheterization is critical for the rescue and perioperative management of premature infants requiring surgery. Ultrasound‐guided dynamic needle tip positioning (DNTP) has been widely used as a very effective technique, especially in paediatric vascular puncture and catheterization. However, for low‐weight premature newborns, central vein catheterization still poses greater difficulties for paediatricians and paediatric anaesthesiologists. This prospective randomized control study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combined short‐ and long‐axis (CSLA) internal jugular vein catheterization for premature newborns in comparison with the DNTP technique. Methods A total of 90 premature newborns (gestational age < 37 weeks and < 28 days after birth) who were scheduled for surgery were included in this study. All enrolled premature newborns were randomly divided into two groups (n = 45): the CSLA group and the DNTP group. We compared the first‐puncture success rate, total success rate, procedure time, number of needle passes, occurrence of complications and other outcome measures between the two groups. Results The two groups (n = 45 per group) were similar in sex, gestational age, weight, mean arterial blood pressure, and vein‐related measurements of the internal jugular vein. Total success was achieved in 43 (95.6%) and 36 (80.0%) patients in the CSLA and DNTP groups respectively. Compared with the DNTP group, the CSLA group showed a significantly higher first‐attempt success rate (71.1% vs 46.7%, χ2 = 5.5533, P = .0184) and significantly fewer needle passes (1.0[1.0‐2.0] vs 2.0[1.0‐3.0], χ2 = −2.6094, P = .0091). There was no significant difference between the groups in the procedure time (368[304‐573] vs 478[324‐79]s, Z = −1.7690, P = .0769). Complications occurred in both groups, but the incidence was significantly lower in the CSLA group than in the DNTP group (6.7% vs 22.2%, χ2 = 4.4056, P = .0358). Conclusions Ultrasound‐guided internal jugular vein catheterization by the CSLA method is effective and safe. The CSLA method may be superior to the DNTP technique in premature newborns.

Background Methods to determine the optimal insertion depth of ultrasound‐guided supraclavicular approach to the subclavian vein (SCV) catheterization, alternatively used for central venous access, are debatable in children. Aim We investigated the applicability and reliability of the modified formula for determining the depth of SCV catheterization using an ultrasound‐guided supraclavicular approach in children. Methods This prospective observational study included 36 children (age <6 years; weight ≥5 kg) scheduled to undergo congenital heart disease surgery. After intubation, ultrasound‐guided supraclavicular approach to the SCV catheterization was performed. Actual insertion depth was determined by real‐time transesophageal echocardiography. Insertion depth was calculated by subtracting 1 cm from the sum of the distance from the insertion point to the sternal head of the right clavicle and that from the latter point to the midpoint of a perpendicular line drawn from the sternal head of the right clavicle to the line connecting the nipples. Results Insertion depth calculated with the modified formula and actual insertion depth of the SCV catheter correlated strongly (r = .806, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.658‒0.908; p < .001). Bland‐Altman analysis showed a mean bias and precision of 0.36 and 0.65 cm, respectively (95% CI: 0.14‒0.58, 95% limits of agreement: −0.92, 1.64). All plots were above the −1.0 line, indicating no catheter tip insertion into the right atrium. Conclusions Optimal insertion depth for an ultrasound‐guided supraclavicular approach to the SCV catheterization can be calculated using modification of a surface landmark formula in children younger than 6 years and weight heavier than 5 kg.

No abstract

Background: Epicutaneo-caval catheters (ECCs) are extensively used in premature and ill neonates. This prospective, randomized, observational study aimed to compare the outcomes of ECC placement in the distal superficial femoral and axillary veins in neonates with difficult ECC access. Methods: In a neonatal intensive care unit at a tertiary referral center, 60 neonates with difficult ECC access were randomized into two groups with catheters placed using the ultrasound-guided modified dynamic needle tip positioning (MDNTP) technique: distal superficial femoral vein (DSFV) and axillary vein (AV) groups. Results: The first attempt success rate was significantly higher in the DSFV group than in the AV group [23/30 (76.7%) vs 11/30 (36.7%), p = 0.001; odds ratio (OR), 0.176; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.057–0.543]. The mean procedural duration was significantly shorter in the DSFV group than in the AV group [mean: 308.5 (standard deviation: 81.1) s vs 522.74 (134.8) s, t = −7.17, p < 0.001]. The incidence of complications was significantly lower in the DSFV group than in the AV group [4/30 (13.3%) vs 12/30 (40.0%), p = 0.019; OR, 4.333; 95% CI 1.203–15.604]. The number of attempts was significantly fewer in the DSFV group than in the AV group ( p = 0.012). Conclusions: The distal superficial femoral and axillary veins are two alternative and safe access points for ECC placement in premature neonates (weight < 2.5 kg) with difficult access. However, access through the distal superficial femoral vein was quicker, easier, and had fewer complications than through the axillary vein.