Central Venous Catheter (Internal Jugular)

Circulation · ICU/Anesthesia · 20–40 min

USG-guided placement of a multi-lumen catheter into the internal jugular vein for pressors, TPN, or CVP monitoring.

Indications

  • Vasopressor infusion
  • TPN
  • Poor peripheral access
  • CVP monitoring
  • Hemodialysis (temporary)

Contraindications

  • Coagulopathy (relative)
  • Overlying infection
  • Contralateral pneumothorax

Equipment

  • USG with linear probe
  • CVC kit (Seldinger)
  • Sterile drape/gown/gloves/mask/cap
  • Chlorhexidine
  • Local anesthetic
  • Sutures, occlusive dressing

Positioning

  • Supine, Trendelenburg 15°, head turned slightly to opposite side.

Consent

  • Explain indication, benefits, alternatives
  • Explain risks & complications
  • Obtain written/verbal consent as per SOP
  • Document consent

Universal precautions

  • Hand hygiene
  • PPE — gloves, mask, eye protection
  • Aseptic technique
  • Sharps safety
  • Verify patient identity & site

Step-by-step (0/8)

Tap to complete

1. Full barrier precautions

Cap, mask, sterile gown, sterile gloves, wide drape.

2. Identify vein on USG

3. Local anesthesia

4. Needle insertion

5. Seldinger wire

6. Dilate & rail catheter

7. Confirm & suture

8. Post-CXR

Immediate complications

  • Pneumothorax
  • Arterial puncture
  • Hemothorax
  • Arrhythmia
  • Air embolism
  • Wire embolism

Delayed complications

  • CLABSI
  • Thrombosis
  • Stenosis

Recognition

  • Bright pulsatile blood
  • CXR abnormality

Initial management

  • Withdraw; pressure; chest tube if PTX

Prevention

  • USG guidance
  • Full barrier precautions
  • Daily line review

Post-procedure observation

  • Site inspection q shift
  • Dressing intact

Monitoring

  • CLABSI bundle: hand hygiene, chlorhexidine, daily review

Documentation

  • Site, lumens, depth
  • USG use

Patient instructions

  • Report fever, redness

Educational bedside guide. Perform only under supervision until competent. Follow local SOPs and consent policy.

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