External jugular venous catheterization with a Groshong catheter for central venous access.

BACKGROUND: The Groshong catheter (GC) is commonly used as a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), and the external jugular vein (EJV) is not a common route for central venous access (CVA). Therefore, external jugular venous catheterization (EJVC) using a GC is rare. However, our experience has shown that this procedure is safe and simple for CVA.

PURPOSE: To assess the utility of EJVC using the GC for CVA.

METHODS: CVA was done using a GC via the EJV with a single puncture employing the maximal barrier precaution technique.

RESULTS: Between March 2005 and June 2007, we attempted to perform EJVC using a GC via the EJV for 331 patients. Among of these patients, 301 patients received successful catheterization (success rate: 301/331 = 90.9%). The total period of catheter insertion was 4601 days, and the mean insertion period was 15.1 days (range 2-147 days). The main complications of catheter insertion were malposition (8/301; 2.7%) and, oozing or hematoma formation (8/301; 2.7%). There were no severe complications such as nerve injury, pneumothorax or arterial bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS: Our experience demonstrates that EJVC using the GC is acceptable for CVA.