M. Madan et al., RIGHT ATRIAL ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY - A TECHNIQUE FOR THE PLACEMENT OF CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETERS FOR CHEMOTHERAPY OR INTRAVENOUS NUTRITION, British Journal of Surgery, 81(11), 1994, pp. 1604-1605
Central venous catheters used for chemotherapy are usually sited so th
at the catheter tip lies in the superior vena cava. This study evaluat
ed right atrial electrocardiography as a method of accurately placing
the catheter tip in 34 patients over a period of 22 months. An electro
cardiograph adaptor was connected to the catheter and the tip advanced
into a central vein until a biphasic P wave was identified. In 31 of
34 patients the characteristic P wave changes were observed and the po
sition of the catheter tip confirmed by screening to be in the superio
r vena cava. Right atrial electrocardiography is an accurate, reliable
and rapid method of positioning the tip of a central venous catheter,
and avoids or reduces exposure to radiation.