Application of Ultrasound-Guided Transthoracic Axillary Vein Catheterization in Neurosurgeries

Objective:To evaluate the safety and feasibility of axillary vein catheterization by real-time ultrasound-guided technique in neurosurgical patients.Methods:Ultrasound-guided transthoracic axillary vein catheterization was carried out in 10 neurosurgical patients to undergo posterior fossa surgery.The anatomic structure was confirmed using transverse,longitudinal and Doppler flow images.The needle tip was advanced into the axillary vein under the guide of real-time ultrasound using an in-plane technique.Results: All the 10 patients completed successfully without vascular injury,pneumothorax and other complications.Conclusions: It's a safe and effective way of using real-time ultrasound-guided in-plane technique in axillary vein catheterization in posterior fossa surgeries.