J Korean Radiol Soc.  2003 Mar;48(3):217-223. 10.3348/jkrs.2003.48.3.217.

Outcome of Tunneled Infusion Catheters Inserted via the Right Internal Jugular Vein

• Shin SW
• Do YS
• Kim JH
• Choo SW
• Yoo WK
• Choo IW

• KMID: 2200045
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.2003.48.3.217

Abstract

PURPOSE: To assess the outcome of tunneled central venous catheter placement via the right internal jugular vein.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Between June 2001 and May 2002, 670 consecutive Hickman catheters were placed in 654 patients via the right internal jugular vein. The procedural complications arising and follow-up data obtained from May to July 2002 were evaluated.
RESULTS
The technical success rate for catheter placement was 99.9% (669/670). Procedural complications were limited to eight cases (1.2%), including three pneumothoraces, one early migration of the catheter, one clinically unimportant air embolism, one catheter injury, one catheter kinking and one primary malpositioning in the azygos vein. Catheter dwelling time ranged from 1 to 407 (mean 107.1) days. During the follow-up period, 416 catheters were removed for various reasons: treatment had ended (n=334), patients declined treatment or their drug regimen was changed (n=16), late complications arose (n=53), or other circumstances intervened (n=13). Late complications included 44 cases of catheter-related infection (6.6%), five of catheter migration (0.7%), two of catheter occlusion (0.3%), one of thrombophlebitis (0.15%), and one of catheter-related right atrial thrombosis (0.15%). Only one instance of symptomatic venous thrombosis or stenosis was noted , namely the one case of thrombophlebitis.
CONCLUSION
Because the incidence of subsequent symptomatic venous thrombosis or stenosis is lower, the preferred route for tunneled central venous catheter placement is the right internal jugular vein.

Keyword

Catheters and catheterization, complications; Catheters and catheterization, central venous access; Veins, jugular; Veins, thrombosis

MeSH Terms

Azygos Vein
Catheter-Related Infections
Catheters*
Central Venous Catheters
Constriction, Pathologic
Embolism, Air
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Incidence
Jugular Veins*
Thrombophlebitis
Thrombosis
Venous Thrombosis