Is finder needle necessary for internal jugular vein catheterization?

Objective: We studied finder needle use in Internal Jugular Vein (IJV) catheterization and complications rate in adult cardiac surgery. Methods: A prospective study was carried out for 3 month period from august to November 2007 and all patients older than 18 years who underwent elective cardiac surgery were studied. Data were collected about using finder needle, patient position, success rate, intra and postoperative complications of IJV catheterization. Results: Out of 399 patients, 42 patients were excluded from study. Of remaining 357 patients, in 93% right internal jugular vein was the preferred vein. Finder needle was used in 148 (45.8%) of IJV catheterization (group one) versus 175 (54.2%) patients that IJV catheterization were done without finder needle (group two). Anesthesiology residents significantly used finder needle more than attendings (p=0.001). Using finder needle significantly increased catheterization time from 5.8±2.2 to 8.6±3.4 minutes (p=0.002). There were no significant differences in complications and success rate between two groups. Conclusions: To reduce complications or increase success rate, there is not any need for finder needle use in internal jugular vein catheterization. (Rawal Med J 2008;33:74-77).