External jugular Groshong catheter

July 14, 2008

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This article attempts to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of insertion of a Groshong catheter via the external jugular vein (EJV) for central vein access.

Ishizuka, M., Nagata, H., Takagi, K., Horie, T., Furihata, M.., Nakagawa, A. and Kubota, K. (2008) External jugular Groshong catheter is associated with fewer complications than a subclavian Argyle catheter. European surgical research. 40(2), p. 197-202.

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: To demonstrate the efficacy and safety of insertion of a Groshong catheter via the external jugular vein (EJV) for central vein access. METHODS: Central venous access was done by either insertion of a Groshong catheter via the EJV or an Argyle catheter via the subclavian vein with single puncture. RESULTS: Eighty patients (group 1) were treated with 146 subclavian venous catheters for 2,770 catheter-days, and 98 patients (group 2) were treated with 147 external jugular venous catheters for 2,381 catheter-days. Fever appeared in 36.3% (53/146) and 16.3% (24/147) of the patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p < 0.01). The malposition and pneumothorax rates were 17.1% (25/146) and 2.0% (3/147; p < 0.01), and 2.7% (4/146) and 0% (0/147; p < 0.05) in the two groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Insertion of a Groshong catheter via the EJV is more acceptable for central venous access than insertion of a conventional subclavian venous catheter.