Patient positioning for subclavian vein catheterization
J. M. Jesseph, D. J. Conces Jr and G. T. Augustyn
Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis.
The subclavian vein is a commonly used venous access route. Percutaneous
cannulation is associated with complications and malpositioning of the
catheter. We studied the potential effect of various body positions on
subclavian vein catheterization using gross anatomic dissection and
magnetic resonance imaging. Findings show that traditional recommendations
for patient positioning with the shoulders retracted and the head turned
away can act to distort the subclavian vein anatomy and make successful
cannulation more difficult. Positioning the patient flat with the head and
shoulders in a neutral position is suggested.
