Influence of shoulder position on central venous catheter tip location during infraclavicular subclavian approach.

Br J Anaesth. 2011 Mar;106(3):344-7

Authors: Kang M, Ryu HG, Son IS, Bahk JH

Infraclavicular approach of the subclavian veins is commonly used for central venous access. However, aberrant catheter tip locations are frequently quoted for this approach. It was hypothesized that with the shoulder pulled downwards, the angle between the internal jugular and subclavian veins may increase, directing subclavian catheters into the internal jugular vein. This prospective study assessed the influence of the shoulder position on proper placement of right infraclavicular subclavian catheters.

PMID: 21138902 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]