Accuracy of central venous pressure measurements in the inferior vena cava in the ventilated child.

We compared central venous pressure measurements from three sites, superior vena cava, inferior vena cava and right atrium, in 12 children undergoing cardiac catheterization whilst on assisted ventilation. There was no significant difference between the mean pressures in the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava. Furthermore, there was also no difference between the mean pressures in the inferior vena cava and the right atrium. Because of the greater safety of the placement of pressure monitoring lines in the inferior vena cava via the femoral vein, this approach should be the preferred route for central venous pressure monitoring in children.