ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Central venous catheterization allows the measurement of hemodynamic variables, the delivery of medications and nutritional support. It also has been used as a means to treat sepsis, cardiogenic and hemodynamic shocks. Arterial puncture, hematoma, and pneumo-hemothorax are the most common mechanical complications during the insertion of central venous catheters. This study was done to find out the factors attributing to the increase of puncture attempts in subclavian venous catheter insertion. METHODS: We have conducted surveys in residents who had previous experience with insertion of subclavian venous catheterization in Ilsan hospital from 01/09/2003 to 30/11/2003. A total of 40 cases were marked as two groups, those with less than three puncture attempts and those with more than or equal to three attempts. RESULTS: The incidence of three or less insertion attempts were 23, whereas in 17 cases three or more attempts were required. The results of the comparison between these two groups proved that the patient's hemoglobin level, skeletal deformity, the level of experience (more than 20), puncture site marking and insertion in the mid-clavicular line were significant factors (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: It seemed necessary to try three or less puncture attempts in order to decrease the incidence of mechanical complications. The operator factors such as previous experience with the procedure, puncture site marking prior to insertion, and insertion in the mid-clavicular line had affected the number of puncture attempts.