Evaluation of formulas for optimal positioning of central venous catheters.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the accuracy of formulas designed to estimate the optimum intravenous length of central venous catheters.

DESIGN

A prospective study of catheter insertion sites to evaluate the accuracy of predetermined formulas that predict the intravascular insertion length required to avoid intracardiac catheter tip placement.

SETTING

A 320-bed tertiary hospital.

PATIENTS

Critically ill patients requiring central venous access for therapy or monitoring.

MAIN RESULTS

The formulas accurately predicted required intravascular length of the central venous catheter in 217 of 228 (95%) cases. The formula for predicting catheter length was most accurate when the subclavian vein was used. It was least accurate when the right internal jugular vein was selected.

CONCLUSIONS

The formulas can accurately predict the required length of catheters and thereby reduce the possibility of complications and save time and expense.