OBJECTIVES We sought to validate a new noninvasive technique to determine central venous pressure (CVP) using high-resolution compression sonography. BACKGROUND Information concerning CVP is crucial in clinical situations, including cardiac failure, volume overload, and sepsis. The measurement of CVP, however, requires puncture of a vein with attendant risk of complication. METHODS After a ...

A retrospective study of our experience in the placement of 19 consecutive balloon-tipped catheters in the pulmonary artery of 18 children disclosed that the procedure can be performed with relative ease in the intensive care unit without the aid of fluoroscopy. Insertion of the catheters was not associated with any serious complications. Catheter malfunction, however, occurred in 9 of 18 patie...

143 fresh blood transfusions were given to 32 low birthweight babies, 28 of whom had hyaline membrane disease. The arterial or central venous pressure was raised by a blood transfusion if before transfusion the mean arterial pressure was less than 35 mmHg or if the diastolic central venous pressure was less than -- 0-5 mmHg. There was no effect of blood transfusion on pH. It therefore appears e...

Pre-anaesthetic evaluation revealed a 50 kg female with no obvious dyspnoea. Central cyanosis was present; heart rate was 136/min and blood pressure 130/90 mmHg. Her renal and liver function tests and coagulation profile were normal. 2D echocardiography with Doppler showed severe pulmonary arterial and venous hypertension with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 55%. Anti-aspiration prophyl...

BACKGROUND To eliminate the influence of hydrostatic pressure, proper transducer positions for central venous pressure and pulmonary artery wedge pressure are at the uppermost blood levels of right atrium (RA) and left atrium (LA). This study was performed to investigate accurate reference levels of central venous pressure and pulmonary artery wedge pressure in the supine position. METHODS Ch...

background: central venous (cv) catheters play an essential role in the management of critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (icu). cv lines are, however, allied to catheter-associated blood stream infections. bacterial colonization of cv lines is deemed the main cause of catheter-associated infection. the purpose of our study was to compare bacterial colony counts in the catheter s...

A successful retrieval of a detached segment of a CVP catheter by percutaneous right transfemoral venous route, using a Dotter intravascular retriever basket, is reported. The procedure was monitored under fluoroscopy. Only local anaesthesia, which was infiltrated around the puncture site, was given to the patient. No significant complication was encountered. Successful retrieval of the detache...