Introduction
Central venous catheterisation is ubiquitous in hospital practice. Complications may occur in 10% of cases using surface landmark techniques.1,2 When used to locate vessels and give real-time guidance, ultrasound limits these complications.3 The UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) suggests ultrasound guidance is used for elective cannulation of the internal jugular vein. However, similar advantages are seen for cannulation of veins and arteries at other sites in elective and acute situations.
Preparation
Monitor the patient with pulse oximetry, electrocardiography and non-invasive blood pressure measur