Ultrasound-guided insertion of subclavian venous access ports.

INTRODUCTION: Central venous cannulation is an integral part of venous access port (portacath) placement for intravenous chemotherapy. NICE guidelines have suggested that CVC should be performed under ultrasound guidance. The technique of ultrasound-guided subclavian cannulation is reviewed and our experience presented.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data on patients undergoing ultrasound-guided portacath placement for the failure rate and the incidence of complications.

RESULTS: We were successful in cannulating the subclavian vein in 44 of 55 patients. There was one arterial puncture and no haemothorax or pneumothorax with the technique (complication rate 1.8%).

CONCLUSION: An ultrasound-guided approach should be the standard technique for central venous cannulation in portacath placement.