ASSESSMENT OF THE INFRACLAVICULAR APPROAC H FOR AXILLARY VEIN CATHETERIZATION

This prospective study aimed to assess the value of the infraclavicula r route for axillary vein catheterization in intensive care patients. Forty-six patients, 26 to 90 years old, were assigned to one of two gr oups according to their body mass index : obese (W/H2 < 30) and non ob ese (W/H2 < 30). The three operators were not previously trained for t his particular technique, but were familiar with others. There were 55 attempts. Overall success rate was 47 % ; 8 % in obese and 58 % in no n obese patients respectively. Perceiving axillary artery beats beneat h the coracoid process increased significantly the success rate in non obese patients (94 % ; p < 0.01). There was one major complication (p neumothorax), due to a non respect of the technique. In conclusion, th is technique requires a previous training period, and is not to be rec ommended in the obese. However, it is a convenient technique for non o bese patients, in whom axillary artery beats can be detected.