Ultrasound-Guided Intravenous Catheter Insertion in a Prone Patient using a T Probe in Emergency Setting

Introduction

Central venous catheterizations are common intraoperative procedures.

Central venous catheter (CVC) placements are usually performed with patients lying in the supine position using real-time ultrasound (US) guidance.

Case description

A 43-year-old man underwent open right popliteal artery reconstruction in the prone position for a limb-threatening injury. Excessive continuous intraoperative bleeding, increased by a coexisting pelvic fracture, was temporarily stabilized by a T POD device, but with the need of external fixation, required the placement of CVC, which was not feasible whilst in the prone position without US help.

A view of the left internal jugular vein (IJV) was obtained with pediatric T probe and a CVC was placed using real-time US guidance, without complications.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the feasibility and safety of US-guided CVC placements in an emergency setting.