Ultrasound guided central venous catheterization of internal jugular vein on over 65-year-od patients versus blind technique

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Performing a central venous catheterization (CVC) on older patients for long-term central intravenous therapy could be a very important procedure. It could be associated with a high incidence of related complications, especially on over 65-year-old, high risk, selected patients. METHODS: The authors analyzed the results of 72 central venous CVC of internal jugular vein performed on over 65-year-old patients with ultrasound (US) guide from January 1998 to April 2003. RESULTS: The average performing time was 4 min, with 98.7% of success, 0% of major complications, and 4.1% of minor complications (one mild vagal hypotension and two catheter dislocation). CONCLUSIONS: The US guided technique is a safer procedure especially in older patients; it affords an easier and more rapid cannulation of a central vein, drastically reducing major and minor complications.