Acta Biomedica Scientia

EVALUATING THE SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF ULTRASOUNDGUIDED RIGHT BRACHIOCEPHALIC VEIN CANNULATION: A TWO-YEAR PROSPECTIVE STUDY IN ADULT PATIENTS

Dr. Mayuresan

Central venous catheterization, Brachiocephalic vein cannulation, Ultrasound guidance, Supraclavicular approach, Procedural success and complications

Central venous catheter (CVC) placement is a critical procedure in hospital settings, particularly for medication administration, nutritional support, and hemodialysis access. While the internal jugular vein (IJV) and subclavian vein (SCV) are commonly used for CVC insertion, ultrasound (US)-guided supraclavicular brachiocephalic vein (BCV) cannulation has gained attention as an alternative approach. However, data on its safety and efficacy in adults remain limited. Objective: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, success rate, and complications associated with ultrasound-guided supraclavicular BCV cannulation in adult patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 250 adult inpatients who underwent right-sided BCV CVC placement under US guidance between September 2019 and December 2019. Data were collected on first-attempt success rates, procedural duration, catheter insertion time, and associated complications. Descriptive statistics, including mean values and standard deviations, were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results: The study reported a successful cannulation rate of 95.5%, with 94.90% of procedures succeeding on the first attempt. The mean procedure duration was 13.12 ± 1.25 minutes, while the mean catheter introduction time was 14.65 ± 3.50 cm. The average duration of catheter use was 9.85 ± 8.50 days (range: 22-27 days). The incidence of complications was low, with punctured arteries (2.00%), pneumonia (0.50%), infection-related catheter removal (3 cases), and accidental catheter removal due to bleeding (7 cases). Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular BCV cannulation is a safe, efficient, and effective alternative for central venous access in adult patients. The technique offers high success rates, reduced complications, and improved patient comfort compared to traditional CVC placements. Given its advantages, this approach should be considered more widely in clinical practice. However, further prospective studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to strengthen the evidence supporting its long-term viability