ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of this study was to compare two different techniques for internal jugular vein [IJV] cannulation in neonates, regarding duration of insertion, number of trials, success rate and incidence of different complications
Methods: Eighty neonatal patients were randomly divided into two equal groups and allocated to had their IJV cannulated either using the conventional anatomical landmark technique or using the Doppler Ultrasound-assisted technique
Results: Doppler ultrasound-assisted technique showed a significantly shorter duration for catheterization, less numbers of trials and a higher success rate [166.3 +/- 100.6 sec, 1.95 +/- 1.01 times and 40/40 success rate] in comparison to anatomical landmark technique [368.5 +/- 745.9 sec, 2.82 +/- 2.08 times and 32/40 success rate], respectively. Among all the technique-related complications that included carotid artery puncture, hemo or pneumothorax, cardiac dysrhythmias, air embolism, blood transfusion and finally, hematoma formation, only carotid artery puncture incidence was significantly less when using ultrasound compared to the conventional method [0/40 versus 6/40]
Conclusion: The use of Doppler Ultrasound-assisted IJV cannulation in the neonates reduces duration, number of trials, and increases the success rates with lesser incidence of unintentional technique-related complications, in comparison to the conventional anatomical-landmark technique