The Effectiveness of Real-Time Ultrasound-Guided Central Venous Catheterization: A Comparison with the Landmark Technique in Jordanian Patients

Abstract

Real-time ultrasound-guided Central Venous Catheterization (CVC) has been demonstrated to reduce insertion and procedure time as well as having less complications when compared to the landmark-guided technique. This technique was newly introduced to Jordan University Hospital (JUH) and the aim of this study is to report our experience in both techniques. Medical records of 203 patients who needed central venous catheterization in the JUH between May, 2016 and May, 2017 were reviewed. The ultrasound-guided group included 102 patients while the landmark-guided group included 101 patients. The duration of catheter insertion, procedure duration and complications were considered. The average number of catheterization attempts in the ultrasound-guided group was significantly less when compared with the landmark-guided group (p<0.001). Furthermore, the duration of insertion and the duration of the procedure were both significantly shorter in the ultrasound-guided group compared to the landmark group (p<0.001 for both). Carotid artery punctures and hematoma formation were also significantly less in the ultrasound-guided group compared with the landmark group (p = 0.019). The ultrasound-guided method for central venous catheterization could increase the efficiency and reduce medical complications which justifies the costs of implementing this technique.