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Central venous catheter placement: comparison of the intravascular guidewire and the fluid column electrocardiograms

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 December 2004

M. T. Pawlik ,
N. Kutz ,
C. Keyl ,
P. Lemberger  and
E. Hansen
M. T. Pawlik
Affiliation:
University of Regensburg, Department of Anaesthesiology, Regensburg, Germany
N. Kutz
Affiliation:
University of Regensburg, Department of Anaesthesiology, Regensburg, Germany
C. Keyl
Affiliation:
University of Regensburg, Department of Anaesthesiology, Regensburg, Germany
P. Lemberger
Affiliation:
University of Regensburg, Department of Anaesthesiology, Regensburg, Germany
E. Hansen
Affiliation:
University of Regensburg, Department of Anaesthesiology, Regensburg, Germany
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Abstract

Summary

Background and objective: Placement of central venous catheters in patients is associated with several risks including endocardial lesions and dysrhythmias. Correct positioning of central venous catheters in the superior vena cava is essential for immediate use. The objective of a first study was to evaluate the signal quality of an intravascular electrocardiogram (ECG) during position control using a guidewire compared with the customary fluid column-based ECG system, and to assess its efficacy of correct placement of the central venous catheter. A second study tested if dysrhythmias can be avoided by intravascular ECG monitoring during catheter and guidewire advancement.

Methods: The jugular or subclavian vein of 40 patients undergoing heart surgery or who were being treated in the intensive care unit was cannulated. Intravascular ECGs were recorded during position control, and guidewire and water column lead were compared in the same patient with regard to the quality of the ECG reading and P-wave enhancement. In another 40 patients, the guidewire was inserted only 10 cm and the central venous catheter advanced under guidewire ECG control. Correct position of all the central venous catheters was confirmed by chest radiography.

Results: All central venous catheters were correctly positioned in the superior vena cava. For the same catheter position, the P-wave was significantly larger in the guidewire ECG than in the fluid column system. No changes in the quality of the ECG were detected when the guidewire was advanced or withdrawn by 1 cm relative to the catheter tip. Cardiac dysrhythmias were not seen during ECG-monitored advancement of the guidewire.

Conclusions: ECG quality using a guidewire lead is superior to the water column-based system. Furthermore, it is independent from the exact position of the guidewire as related to the tip of the catheter. Using intravascular guidewire ECG during advancement can prevent induction of dysrhythmias.

Keywords

CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETERIZATION, adverse effects, methodsDYSRHYTHMIA, preventionELECTROCARDIOGRAM (ECG), intravascular
Type
Original Article
Information
European Journal of Anaesthesiology , Volume 21 , Issue 8 , August 2004 , pp. 594 - 599
Copyright
2004 European Society of Anaesthesiology

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