Central venous catheterization (CVC) is a frequent procedure, practiced by intensivists, anesthesiologists and advanced practice nurses in intensive care units and operative rooms. To reduce CVC-associated morbidity, it is essential to strive for best practices, based on the latest evidence. This narrative review aims to synthesize current knowledge on evidence-based best practices for CVC that improve the use and feasibility of real-time ultrasound-guided insertion procedures. Optimization of the vein puncture technique and the development of new technologies are discussed to reinforce the use of the subclavian vein catheterization as first choice. The search for alternative site of insertions, without increasing infectious and thrombotic risks, deserves further research.

During central venous catheterization (CVC), ultrasound (US) guidance has been shown to reduce mechanical complications and increase success rates compared to the anatomical landmark (AL) technique. However, the impact of US guidance on catheter-related infections remains controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the risk of catheter-related infection with US-guided CVC versus AL technique. A systematic search on MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Web of Science databases was conducted until July 31, 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies of intervention (NRSI) comparing US-guided versus AL-guided CVC placement were included. The primary outcome was a composite outcome including all types of catheter-related infection: catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs), central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), catheter colonization, or any other type of reported infection. The secondary outcomes included individual infection types and mortality at day-28. Subgroup analyses based on study type and operator experience were also performed. Pooling twelve studies (8 RCTs and 4 NRSI), with a total of 5,092 CVC procedures (2072 US-guided and 3020 AL-guided), US-guided CVC was associated with a significant reduction in catheter-related infections compared with the AL technique (risk ratio (RR) = 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53–0.88). In the RCT subgroup, the pooled RR was 0.65 (95% CI 0.49–0.87). This effect was more pronounced in procedures performed by experienced operators (RR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.41–0.89). In inexperienced operators, the infection risk reduction was not statistically significant. The pooled analysis of CRBSIs and CLABSIs also favored US guidance (RR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.48–0.87). US-guided CVC placement significantly reduces the risk of catheter-related infections compared to the AL technique, particularly when performed by experienced operators. Trial registration PROSPERO CRD42022350884. Registered 13 August 2022.

Real-time ultrasound (US) guidance facilitates central venous catheterization in intensive care unit (ICU). New magnetic needle-pilot devices could improve efficiency and safety of central venous catheterization. This simulation trial was aimed at comparing venipuncture with a new needle-pilot device to conventional US technique. In a prospective, randomized, simulation trial, 51 ICU physicians and residents cannulated the right axillary vein of a human torso mannequin with standard US guidance and with a needle-pilot system, in a randomized order. The primary outcome was the time from skin puncture to successful venous cannulation. The secondary outcomes were the number of skin punctures, the number of posterior wall puncture of the axillary vein, the number of arterial punctures, the number of needle redirections, the failure rate, and the operator comfort. Time to successful cannulation was shorter with needle-pilot US-guided technique (22 s (interquartile range (IQR) = 16–42) vs 25 s (IQR = 19–128); median of difference (MOD) = −9 s (95%-confidence interval (CI) −5, −22), p < 0.001). The rates of skin punctures, posterior wall puncture of axillary vein, and needle redirections were also lower (p < 0.01). Comfort was higher in needle-pilot US-guided group on a 11-points numeric scale (8 (IQR = 8–9) vs 6 (IQR = 6–8), p < 0.001). In a simulation model, US-guided axillary vein catheterization with a needle-pilot device was associated with a shorter time of successful cannulation and a decrease in numbers of skin punctures and complications. The results plea for investigating clinical performance of this new device.

Central venous catheterization is the most common invasive procedure in intensive care units but remains burdened by infectious, thrombotic, and mechanical