Name: the supraclavicular fossa ultrasound view for central venous catheter placement and catheter change over guidewire
Uploaded: 2014-12-23T14:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about The Supraclavicular Fossa Ultrasound View for Central Venous Catheter Placement and Catheter Change Over Guidewire at JoVE.com

NOTE: The following protocol follows our internal guidelines and standard operation procedures approved by the chair of our department. The same protocol was approved by our institutional review board and was used for studies published in a previous paper8.
1. Pre-ultrasound Scan Preparation
<ol>
	<li>Place the patient in a supine position with an optional elevated head of bed or stretcher for comfort if the patient is awake.</li>
	<li>Position the ultrasound machine in a line wit...

<ol>
	<li>Troianos, C. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Special+articles:+guidelines+for+performing+ultrasound+guided+vascular+cannulation:+recommendations+of+the+American+Society+of+Echocardiography+and+the+Society+Of+Cardiovascular+Anesthesiologists.">Special articles: guidelines for performing ultrasound guided vascular cannulation: recommendations of the American Society of Echocardiography and the Society Of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists.</a> Anesth Analg. 114 (1), 46-72 (2012).</li><li>Cavanna, L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ultrasound-guided+central+venous+catheterization+in+cancer+patients+improves+the+success+rate+of+cannulation+and+reduces+mechanical+complications:+a+prospective+observational+study+of+1,978+consecutive+catheterizations.">Ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization in cancer patients improves the success rate of cannulation and reduces mechanical complications: a prospective observational study of 1,978 consecutive catheterizations.</a> World J Surg Oncol. 8 (91), (2010).</li><li>Wirsing, M., Schummer, C., Neumann, R., Steenbeck, J., Schmidt, P., Schummer, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Is+traditional+reading+of+the+bedside+chest+radiograph+appropriate+to+detect+intraatrial+central+venous+catheter+position.">Is traditional reading of the bedside chest radiograph appropriate to detect intraatrial central venous catheter position.</a> Chest. 134 (3), 527-533 (2008).</li><li>Ender, J., Erdoes, G., Krohmer, E., Olthoff, D., Mukherjee, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transesophageal+echocardiography+for+verification+of+the+position+of+the+electrocardiographically-placed+central+venous+catheter.">Transesophageal echocardiography for verification of the position of the electrocardiographically-placed central venous catheter.</a> J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 23 (4), 457-461 (2009).</li><li>Pittiruti, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+intracavitary+ECG+method+for+positioning+the+tip+of+central+venous+catheters:+results+of+an+Italian+multicenter+study.">The intracavitary ECG method for positioning the tip of central venous catheters: results of an Italian multicenter study.</a> J Vasc Access. 13 (3), 357-365 (2012).</li><li>Matsushima, K., Frankel, H. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Bedside+ultrasound+can+safely+eliminate+the+need+for+chest+radiographs+after+central+venous+catheter+placement:+CVC+sono+in+the+surgical+ICU+(SICU).">Bedside ultrasound can safely eliminate the need for chest radiographs after central venous catheter placement: CVC sono in the surgical ICU (SICU).</a> J Surg Res. 163 (1), 155-161 (2010).</li><li>Matsushima, K., Frankel, H. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Detection+of+central+venous+catheter+insertion-related+complication+using+bedside+ultrasound:+the+CVC+sono.">Detection of central venous catheter insertion-related complication using bedside ultrasound: the CVC sono.</a> J Trauma. 70 (6), 1561-1563 (2011).</li><li>Kim, S. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ultrasound+confirmation+of+central+venous+catheter+position+via+a+right+supraclavicular+fossa+view+using+a+microconvex+probe:+A+observational+pilot+study.">Ultrasound confirmation of central venous catheter position via a right supraclavicular fossa view using a microconvex probe: A observational pilot study.</a> Eur J Anaesthesiol. , (2013).</li><li>Lanspa, M. J., Fair, J., Hirshberg, E. L., Grissom, C. K., Brown, S. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ultrasound-guided+Subclavian+Vein+Cannulation+Using+a+Micro-Convex+Ultrasound+Probe.">Ultrasound-guided Subclavian Vein Cannulation Using a Micro-Convex Ultrasound Probe.</a> Ann Am Thorac Soc. 11 (4), 583-586 (2014).</li><li>Weber, S. U., Kim, S. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+right+supraclavicular+ultrasound+view+for+real-time+ultrasound-guided+definite+placement+of+a+central+venous+catheter+with+a+microconvex+transducer.">The right supraclavicular ultrasound view for real-time ultrasound-guided definite placement of a central venous catheter with a microconvex transducer.</a> Eur J Anaesthesiol. 31 (3), 173-174 (2014).</li><li>Lichtenstein, D. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ultrasound+diagnosis+of+occult+pneumothorax.">Ultrasound diagnosis of occult pneumothorax.</a> Crit Care Med. 33 (6), 1231-1238 (2005).</li><li>Garnacho-Montero, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Risk+factors+and+prognosis+of+catheter-related+bloodstream+infection+in+critically+ill+patients:+a+multicenter+study.">Risk factors and prognosis of catheter-related bloodstream infection in critically ill patients: a multicenter study.</a> Intensive Care Med. 34 (12), 2185-2193 (2008).</li><li>Schummer, W., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Intra-atrial+ECG+is+not+a+reliable+method+for+positioning+left+internal+jugular+vein+catheters.">Intra-atrial ECG is not a reliable method for positioning left internal jugular vein catheters.</a> Br J Anaesth. 91 (4), 481-486 (2003).</li></ol>

This procedure allows for visualization of ultrasound guided venipuncture and central venous catheter tip position in real time via the right supraclaviculare fossa view. In combination with a lung ultrasound scan, this approach could replace chest radiograph for confirmation of catheter tip position and exclusion of a pneumothorax.
It is critical for ultrasound trained operators to become familiar with the ultrasound anatomy provided by the supraclavicular fossa view and correctly identify th...

Central venous catheter (CVC) tip position has to be confirmed since misplaced catheters can lead to trauma and erosion of endothelium and vessel walls with subsequent potentially fatal pericardial tamponade1. Furthermore, CVC in the upper superior vena cava (SVC) can provoke thrombotic events, especially in cancer patients. The same is true for misplaced CVC in opposite brachiocephalic vein or internal jugular vein (IJV)2.
Several methods have been established to confirm CVC tip position in the lower SVC. Chest radiograph has been performed traditionally as a bedside method to visualize the CVC tip and exclude pneumothorax. However, additionally to exposure to radiation and costs, the accuracy of chest radiograph for tip position and sensitivity for pneumothorax have been questioned, specifically for the patient in a supine position3. Computer tomography is highly accurate and sensitive for both CVC tip position and pneumothorax, respectively. However, the costs and exposure to radiation do not justify this method for the sole indication of CVC tip confirmation. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is highly accurate for tip position, but indication for TEE is limited to patients with cardiac pathology4. Intra-cardiac electrocardiography (ECG) is an accurate method but depends on a p-wave cardiac rhythm5.
Parasternal and subcostal ultrasound view were suggested to verify the CVC tip position, but success depends on deep insertion of the guidewire into the right atrium. A negative result does not exclude misplaced catheters6,7. The right supraclavicular fossa ultrasound view has been solely described for diagnostic purposes in cardiac failure. In a pilot study, we have demonstrated that this view can also be safely used for venipuncture of the right IJV and accurate positioning of the CVC guidewire with subsequent CVC placement in real-time8. The right supraclavicular fossa ultrasound view can be established with a microconvex probe which has the advantage of a small footprint, deep pentetration and, yet a sufficient resolution for venipuncture when compared to a linear probe8-10.
The proposed procedure has the advantage of visualizing venipuncture and guidewire advancement with a single ultrasound probe within the sterile field in real-time. CVCs insertion length does not have to be corrected afterwards and extra manipulations and potential sources of contamination are prevented. In conjunction with lung ultrasound for exclusion of a pneumothorax, the proposed procedure has the potential to replace chest radiograph for CVC tip position confirmation and exclusion of pneumothorax, reducing costs and exposure to radiation and increasing patient comfort in any hospital setting where an ultrasound machine equipped with a microconvex ultrasound probe is available.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="1058">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">Name of Material/ Equipment</td>
			<td style="width:93px;">Company</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">Catalog Number</td>
			<td style="width:631px;">Comments/Description</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">skin desinfection</td>
			<td style="width:93px;">Ecolab</td>
			<td align="right" style="width:119px;">2686556</td>
			<td>Skinsept G</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;">8C-RS microconvex probe</td>
			<td style="width:93px;">GE Healthcare</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">8C-RS</td>
			<td>Any ultrasound machine equipped with a microconvex ultrasound probe should be suitable for this method</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">Logiq e ultrasound machine</td>
			<td style="width:93px;">GE Healthcare</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">Logiq e</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">CVC Kit</td>
			<td style="width:93px;">Teleflex Medical</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">OW-15802-E</td>
			<td>8 Fr. 2 Lumen Blue-Flex tip catheter</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Sterile gloves</td>
			<td style="width:93px;">Protexix</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">2D72NT70X</td>
			<td>LatexMicro</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Sterile gown</td>
			<td style="width:93px;">Medline</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">OP9512CE</td>
			<td>OPS Advanced</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">sterile ultrasound probe cover</td>
			<td style="width:93px;">CIVCO</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">610-637</td>
			<td>CIV-Fle Transducer Cover; sterile 8.9 x 91.5 cm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">suture</td>
			<td style="width:93px;">Ethicon</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">EH7723</td>
			<td>Ethibond</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">12L-RS linear ultrasound probe</td>
			<td style="width:93px;">GE Healthcare</td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td>any linear ultrasound probe is suitable for lung ultrasound</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

the supraclavicular fossa ultrasound view for central venous catheter placement and catheter change over guidewire

The supraclavicular fossa ultrasound view can be useful for central venous catheter (CVC) placement. Venipuncture of the internal jugular veins (IJV) or subclavian veins is performed with a micro-convex ultrasound probe, using a neonatal abdominal preset with a probe frequency of 10 Mhz at a depth of 10-12 cm. Following insertion of the guidewire into the vein, the probe is shifted to the right supraclavicular fossa to obtain a view of the superior vena cava (SVC), right pulmonary artery and ascending aorta. Under real-time ultrasound view, the guidewire and its J-tip is visualized and pushed forward to the lower SVC. Insertion depth is read from guidewire marks using central venous catheter. CVC is then inserted following skin and venous dilation. The supraclavicular fossa view is most suitable for right IJV CVC insertion. If other insertion sites are chosen the right supraclavicular fossa should be within the sterile field. Scanning of the IJVs, brachiocephalic veins and SVC can reveal significant thrombosis before venipuncture. Misplaced CVCs can be corrected with a change over guidewire technique under real-time ultrasound guidance. In conjunction with a diagnostic lung ultrasound scan, this technique has a potential to replace chest radiograph for confirmation of CVC tip position and exclusion of pneumothorax. Moreover, this view is of advantage in patients with a non-p-wave cardiac rhythm were an intra-cardiac electrocardiography (ECG) is not feasible for CVC tip position confirmation. Limitations of the method are lack of availability of a micro-convex probe and the need for training.

In a previously published study, chest radiographs were obtained in all patients following ultrasound guided CVC placement8. The CVC tip position in relation to the carina on chest radiographs was analysed by a radiologist who confirmed a correct position of the CVC in the lower SVC in all investigated patients. In 90% of all cases CVC tip was within 35 mm distance of the carina. In 17% the CVC tip was above, in 19% at the level of and in 64% below the carina. In 4% the CVC tip was more than 55 mm below the ca...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about The Supraclavicular Fossa Ultrasound View for Central Venous Catheter Placement and Catheter Change Over Guidewire at JoVE.com

The Supraclavicular Fossa Ultrasound View for Central Venous Catheter Placement and Catheter Change Over Guidewire

The overall goal is to enable clinicians to insert a central venous catheter under real-time ultrasound guidance via the right supraclavicular fossa view of the lower part of the superior vena cava. This view is useful for different catheter insertion sites, thrombosis detection before insertion and ultrasound guided correction of misplaced catheters.

The supraclavicular fossa ultrasound view can be useful for central venous catheter (CVC) placement. Venipuncture of the internal jugular veins (IJV) or ...

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Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

Remote Magnetic Navigation for Accurate, Real-time Catheter Positioning and Ablation in Cardiac Electrophysiology Procedures

New remote navigation systems have been developed to improve current limitations of conventional manually guided catheter ablation in complex cardiac substrates such as left atrial flutter. This protocol describes all the clinical and invasive interventional steps performed during a human electrophysiological study and ablation to assess the accuracy, safety and real-time navigation of the Catheter Guidance, Control and Imaging (CGCI) system. Patients who underwent ablation of a right or left atrium flutter substrate were included. Specifically, data from three left atrial flutter and two counterclockwise right atrial flutter procedures are shown in this report. One representative left atrial flutter procedure is shown in the movie. This system is based on eight coil-core electromagnets, which generate a dynamic magnetic field focused on the heart. Remote navigation by rapid changes (msec) in the magnetic field magnitude and a very flexible magnetized catheter allow real-time closed-loop integration and accurate, stable positioning and ablation of the arrhythmogenic substrate.

This report provides a detailed description of a new remote navigation system based on magnetic driven forces, which has been recently introduced as a new robotic tool for human cardiac electrophysiology procedures.

New remote navigation systems have been developed to improve current limitations of conventional manually guided catheter ablation in complex cardiac ...

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, affecting millions of individuals worldwide 1-3. The rapid, irregular, and disordered electrical activity in the atria gives rise to palpitations, fatigue, dyspnea, chest pain and dizziness with or without syncope 4, 5. Patients with AF have a five-fold higher risk of stroke 6.
Oral anticoagulation (OAC) with warfarin is commonly used for stroke prevention in patients with AF and has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke by 64% 7. Warfarin therapy has several major disadvantages, however, including bleeding, non-tolerance, interactions with other medications and foods, non-compliance and a narrow therapeutic range 8-11. These issues, together with poor appreciation of the risk-benefit ratio, unawareness of guidelines, or absence of an OAC monitoring outpatient clinic may explain why only 30-60% of patients with AF are prescribed this drug 8.
The problems associated with warfarin, combined with the limited efficacy and/or serious side effects associated with other medications used for AF 12,13, highlight the need for effective non-pharmacological approaches to treatment. One such approach is catheter ablation (CA), a procedure in which a radiofrequency electrical current is applied to regions of the heart to create small ablation lesions that electrically isolate potential AF triggers 4. CA is a well-established treatment for AF symptoms 14, 15, that may also decrease the risk of stroke. Recent data showed a significant decrease in the relative risk of stroke and transient ischemic attack events among patients who underwent ablation compared with those undergoing antiarrhythmic drug therapy 16.
Since the left atrial appendage (LAA) is the source of thrombi in more than 90% of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation 17, another approach to stroke prevention is to physically block clots from exiting the LAA. One method for occluding the LAA is via percutaneous placement of the WATCHMAN LAA closure device. The WATCHMAN device resembles a small parachute. It consists of a nitinol frame covered by fabric polyethyl terephthalate that prevents emboli, but not blood, from exiting during the healing process. Fixation anchors around the perimeter secure the device in the LAA (Figure 1). To date, the WATCHMAN is the only implanted percutaneous device for which a randomized clinical trial has been reported. In this study, implantation of the WATCHMAN was found to be at least as effective as warfarin in preventing stroke (all-causes) and death (all-causes) 18. This device received the Conformit&eacute; Europ&eacute;enne (CE) mark for use in the European Union for warfarin eligible patients and in those who have a contraindication to anticoagulation therapy 19.
Given the proven effectiveness of CA to alleviate AF symptoms and the promising data with regard to reduction of thromboembolic events with both CA and WATCHMAN implantation, combining the two procedures is hoped to further reduce the incidence of stroke in high-risk patients while simultaneously relieving symptoms. The combined procedure may eventually enable patients to undergo implantation of the WATCHMAN device without subsequent warfarin treatment, since the CA procedure itself reduces thromboembolic events. This would present an avenue of treatment previously unavailable to patients ineligible for warfarin treatment because of recurrent bleeding 20 or other warfarin-associated problems.
The combined procedure is performed under general anesthesia with biplane fluoroscopy and TEE guidance. Catheter ablation is followed by implantation of the WATCHMAN LAA closure device. Data from a non-randomized trial with 10 patients demonstrates that this procedure can be safely performed in patients with a CHADS2 score of greater than 1 21. Further studies to examine the effectiveness of the combined procedure in reducing symptoms from AF and associated stroke are therefore warranted.

Catheter ablation is combined with placement of the WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device to prevent ischemic stroke in a patient with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, affecting millions of individuals worldwide 1-3. The rapid, irregular, and ...

Non-fluoroscopic Catheter Tracking for Fluoroscopy Reduction in Interventional Electrophysiology

A technological platform (MediGuide) has been recently introduced for non-fluoroscopic catheter tracking. In several studies, we have demonstrated that the application of this non-fluoroscopic catheter visualization system (NFCV) reduces fluoroscopy time and dose by 90-95% in a variety of electrophysiology (EP) procedures. This can be of relevance not only to the patients, but also to the nurses and physicians working in the EP lab. Furthermore, in a subset of indications such as supraventricular tachycardias, NFCV enables a fully non-fluoroscopic procedure and allows the lab staff to work without wearing lead aprons. With this protocol, we demonstrate that even complex procedures such as ablations of atrial fibrillation, that are typically associated with fluoroscopy times of &#62;30 min in conventional settings, can safely be performed with a reduction of &#62;90% in fluoroscopy exposure by the additional use of NFCV.

Radiation exposure is an underestimated risk in complex ablation procedures. Here, we describe a protocol to significantly decrease fluoroscopy time and dosage for both the patient and the lab staff by using a novel non-fluoroscopic catheter visualization system.

A technological platform (MediGuide) has been recently introduced for non-fluoroscopic catheter tracking. In several studies, we have demonstrated that ...

A Protocol to Set Up Needle-Free Connector with Positive Displacement on Central Venous Catheter in Intensive Care Unit

Needle-free connectors were initially designed and promoted to avoid blood exposure for healthcare workers. Some recent data suggest that the latest generation of connectors (with positive displacement) may be of interest for reducing central venous line infections. We have been using needle-free connectors for several years in our intensive care unit and here we present a protocol for installing these connectors on central venous catheters. After insertion of the catheter and control of the permeability of the lines, the connectors must be purged with 0.9% NaCl before being connected. The connectors replace all disposable caps used on infusion stopcocks and manifolds. All the connectors are changed every 7 days as recommended by the manufacturer (except when there is macroscopic contamination, which requires an immediate change of the connector). Before each injection, the connector must be disinfected for at least 3 seconds with 70% isopropyl alcohol. The connectors must not be disconnected (unless changed), as the injection is done through the device. Setting up the connectors slightly increases the total time required to place the catheter and there is no formal evidence that these connectors reduce the incidence of infectious or thrombotic complications. However, these devices simplify the management of central venous lines and prevent the catheter circuit from &#34;opening&#34; once it has been sterilely installed.

We present a protocol to show the installation of a needle-free connector with positive displacement on a central venous catheter.

Needle-free connectors were initially designed and promoted to avoid blood exposure for healthcare workers. Some recent data suggest that the latest ...

A Retrograde Implantation Approach for Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Placement in Mice

Murine models are employed to probe various aspects of peritoneal dialysis (PD), such as peritoneal inflammation and fibrosis. These events drive peritoneal membrane failure in humans, which remains an area of intense investigation due to its profound clinical implications in managing patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Despite the clinical importance of PD and its related complications, current experimental murine models suffer from key technical challenges that compromise the models&#39; performance. These include PD catheter migration and kinking and usually warrant earlier catheter removal. These limitations also drive the need for a greater number of animals to complete a study. Addressing these drawbacks, this study introduces technical improvements and surgical nuances to prevent commonly observed PD catheter complications in a murine model. Moreover, this modified model is validated by inducing peritoneal inflammation and fibrosis using lipopolysaccharide injections. In essence, this paper describes an improved method to create an experimental model of PD.

This article describes modifications of a procedure to implant a peritoneal dialysis catheter in a murine model to avoid major technical issues observed with the conventional techniques.

Murine models are employed to probe various aspects of peritoneal dialysis (PD), such as peritoneal inflammation and fibrosis. These events drive ...

Drug Treatment by Central Venous Catheter in a Mouse Model of Angiotensin II Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Monitoring by 3D Ultrasound

Since pharmaceutical treatment options are lacking in the clinical management of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), animal models, in particular mouse models, are applied to advance the understanding of the disease pathogenesis and to identify potential therapeutic targets. Testing novel drug candidates to block AAA growth in these models generally requires repeated drug administration during the time course of the experiment. Here, we describe a compiled protocol for AAA induction, insertion of an intravenous catheter to facilitate prolonged therapy, and serial AAA monitoring by 3D ultrasound. Aneurysms are induced in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) deficient mice by angiotensin II release over 28 days from osmotic mini-pumps implanted subcutaneously into the mouse back. Subsequently, the surgical procedure for external jugular vein catheterization is conducted to allow for daily intravenous drug treatment or repeated blood sampling via a subcutaneous vascular access button. Despite the two dorsal implants, the monitoring of AAA development is readily facilitated by sequential semi-automated 3D ultrasound analysis, which yields comprehensive information on the expansion of aortic diameter and volume and on aneurysm morphology, as illustrated by experimental examples.

This protocol describes the consecutive implantation of an osmotic pump to induce abdominal aortic aneurysm by angiotensin II release in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) deficient mice and of a vascular access port with a jugular vein catheter for repeated drug treatment. Monitoring of aneurysm development by 3D ultrasound is effectively conducted despite dorsal implants.

Since pharmaceutical treatment options are lacking in the clinical management of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), animal models, in particular mouse ...

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis

Acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a serious vascular disorder that requires accurate and early diagnosis to prevent life-threatening sequelae. While whole leg compression ultrasound with color and spectral Doppler is commonly performed in radiology and vascular labs, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is becoming more common in the acute care setting. Providers appropriately trained in focused POCUS can perform a rapid bedside examination with high sensitivity and specificity in critically ill patients. This paper describes a simplified yet validated approach to POCUS by describing a three-zone protocol for lower extremity DVT POCUS image acquisition. The protocol explains the steps in obtaining vascular images at six compression points in the lower extremity. Beginning at the level of the proximal thigh and moving distally to the popliteal space, the protocol guides the user through each of the compression points in a stepwise manner: from the common femoral vein to the femoral and deep femoral vein bifurcation, and, finally, to the popliteal vein. Further, a visual aid is provided that may assist providers during real-time image acquisition. The goal in presenting this protocol is to help make proximal lower extremity DVT exams more accessible and efficient for POCUS users at the patient&#39;s bedside.

Traditionally, lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is diagnosed by radiology-performed venous duplex ultrasound. Providers appropriately trained in focused point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can perform a rapid bedside examination with high sensitivity and specificity in critically ill patients. We describe the scanning technique for focused POCUS DVT lower extremity examination.

Acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a serious vascular disorder that requires accurate and early diagnosis to prevent life-threatening ...

Hickman Catheter for Long-Term Vascular Access in Swine

Hickman Catheter Use for Long-Term Vascular Access in a Preclinical Swine Model

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are invaluable devices in large animal research as they facilitate a wide range of medical applications, including blood monitoring and reliable intravenous fluid and drug administration. Specifically, the tunneled multi-lumen Hickman catheter (HC) is commonly used in swine models due to its lower extrication and complication rates. Despite fewer complications relative to other CVCs, HC-related morbidity presents a significant challenge, as it can significantly delay or otherwise negatively impact ongoing studies. The proper insertion and maintenance of HCs is paramount in preventing these complications, but there is no consensus on best practices. The purpose of this protocol is to comprehensively describe an approach for the insertion and maintenance of a tunneled HC in swine that mitigates HC-related complications and morbidity. The use of these techniques in &gt;100 swine has resulted in complication-free patent lines up to 8 months and no catheter-related mortality or infection of the ventral surgical site. This protocol offers a method to optimize the lifespan of the HC and guidance for approaching issues during use.

Author Spotlight: Hickman Catheter Use for Long-Term Vascular Access in a Preclinical Swine Model  

A reliable and reproducible approach for the insertion and maintenance of a tunneled Hickman catheter for long-term vascular access in swine is described. Placement of a central venous catheter allows for convenient daily sampling of whole blood from awake animals and intravenous administration of medication and fluids.

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are invaluable devices in large animal research as they facilitate a wide range of medical applications, including blood ...

Internal Jugular Vein Identification and Catheter Exit Site Preparation

To begin, place the anesthetized swine on the operating table. In the ventral field, make a four-centimeter incision between the trachea and the medial border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Divide the platysma and dissect the connective tissue to expose the internal jugular vein, or IJV, on the lateral border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.Then isolate three to four centimeters of the IJV by dividing its branches with 4.0 coated and braided non-absorbable suture ties. Circumferentially dissect away from the surrounding connective tissue. At the cranial end of the IJV, pass a coated and braided non-absorbable suture tie twice underneath the vessel to create a loop around it.At the coddle end, pass a suture tie once underneath the vessel to create a sling. For catheter exit site preparation. Reposition the swine via lateral tilt toward the non-surgical side to expose the ipsilateral dorsal surgical field.Once the limbs are resecured, with a number 10 blade scalpel, make a 0.5 centimeter puncture in the skin at the desired catheter exit site, three centimeters lateral to the vertebral column, and five centimeter coddle to the head.

Introduction and Tunneling of Catheter

For tunneling of the catheter, remove the wet gauze and reidentify the isolated IJV segment, then choose a target entry site for catheter introduction subcutaneously at the same depth as the IJV, deeper than the sternocleidomastoid, and between the two coated and braided non-absorbable suture ties. Hold the Hickman catheter introducer in the dominant hand in the dorsal surgical field and suspend the remaining length of the catheter in the air above the sterile field. The non-dominant hand should be in the ventral surgical field.Insert the introducer into the exit puncture site with the dominant hand, pointing the tip of the device toward the non-dominant hand in the ventral field. Push the tip of the introducer superficially and medially to tunnel the catheter through the adipose tissue, feeling for the emergence of the tip with a non-dominant hand. Once the tip emerges at the target entry site, pull the introducer and catheter through the subcutaneous tunnel until the cuff of the main line is just underneath the surface of the skin of the dorsal field.