Korean J Anesthesiol.  2005 Jun;48(6):S11-S14. 10.4097/kjae.2005.48.6.S11.

The Optimal Depth of Central Venous Catheter by Using Transesophageal Echocardiography for Pediatric Patients

• Shin TJ
• Yoon SJ
• Park C
• Kim CS
• Kim SD

• KMID: 2238937
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2005.48.6.S11

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Incorrect positioning of central venous catheter leads to serious complications. To prevent these complications, catheter tip should be at the superior vena cava and right atrial junction.
METHODS
We studied 60 right internal jugular catheterizations in infants and children undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease. To confirm the optimal depth of central venous catheter, we measured the distance from the skin puncture site to subclavian vein-right atrial junction using transesophageal echocardiography.
RESULTS
The measured distance highly correlated with the patient height. Based on these data, following guideline could avoid intra-atrial placement in 94% of the time: optimal depth of insertion (cm) = 2.5 + (0.06 x height).
CONCLUSIONS
We postulate that initial using a simple practical guideline could prevent malposition of central venous catheter.

Keyword

central venous catheterization; internal jugular vein; transesophageal echocardiography

MeSH Terms

Catheterization
Catheterization, Central Venous
Catheters
Central Venous Catheters*
Child
Echocardiography, Transesophageal*
Heart Defects, Congenital
Humans
Infant
Punctures
Skin
Vena Cava, Superior