ObjectiveTo evaluate the ultrasonic pre locating internal jugular venous cannulation in infants, comparison with the external landmark technique.MethodsSixty two infants scheduled for cardiac surgery were randomized prospectively into two groups. In the anatomic landmarks group( n =30), the patient’s internal jugular vein(IJV) were cannulated by using the traditional method of palpation of carotid pulsation and identification of other anatomic landmarks. In the ultrasonic pre locating group ( n =32), an two dimensional ultrasound scanner image made for locating the puncture site of vessels was used with an operative probe of HP SONOS 4500 system. The number of attempts, success rate, and incidence of complications were compared for two groups.ResultsThe success rate was 100% vs 80% in the ultrasonic pre locating group vs anatomic landmarks group, with a 3.1% vs 26 7% incidence of carotid artery punctures and the number of attempts 1.57±1.04 vs 2.55±1.76. All differences were statistically significant ( P lt;0.05,0.05,0.01). Conclusion Ultrasonographic pre-localization of the IJV is superior to the anatomic landmarks technique in terms of overall success , and decreases incidence of carotid artery puncture.
