Real-time ultrasound-guided versus landmark-guided subclavian vein catheterization in the intensive care unit: a prospective randomized study

Abstract Background The subclavian vein (SCV) is an alternative to the internal jugular vein when it is difficult to locate, such as in patients with hypovolemia or obesity. Ultrasonography (USG) guidance for SVC cannulation has evolved, resulting in fewer complications and higher first-pass success rates. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of SCV cannulation with USG- and landmark-guided techniques. Methods In this prospective randomized interventional controlled study, 80 patients admitted to the intensive care unit between July 2022 and October 2022 were randomly assigned to the landmark method group (LM group) and USG group. In the LM group, SCV cannulation was performed using the traditional landmark technique, whereas in the USG group, it was performed using USG guidance. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the ease of subclavian central venous cannulation in critically ill patients using the 2 techniques. The secondary objectives were to compare the success rate of cannulation between these 2 techniques, evaluate the number of attempts, assess cannulation failure, and assess mechanical complications. Results The first-pass success rates were 70% and 92.5% in the LM and USG groups, respectively (P < 0.001). The average numbers of attempts in the LM and USG groups were 1.275 (±0.520) and 1.075 (±0.266), respectively (P = 0.034). The average procedure durations were 7.45 (±1.10) and 8 (±0.933) minutes in the LM and USG groups (P = 0.018), respectively. The rates of complications in both groups were not statistically significant. Conclusion The USG guidance for SCV cannulation has an advantage over landmark-guided methods in a critical care setting. The SCV is a good alternative to internal jugular vein cannulation. The average time to cannulation was longer in the USG group than in the LM group, which can decrease with the frequent use of USG and increasing operator experience. Clinical trials This study was registered in the Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI Trial No. CTRI/2022/07/043694, dated May 7, 2022).