Abstract
Background
A new technique for establishing ultrasound-guided central access involves the use
of the axillary vein, the distal projection of the subclavian vein, via the lateral
chest.
Objective
To examine the effects of Valsalva maneuver and Trendelenburg positioning on axillary
vein cross-sectional area (CSA).
Methods
Using a group-sequential design, we enrolled stable emergency patients and measured
their axillary veins sonographically. Patients were measured while supine, then after
a Valsalva maneuver, and then at 5°, 10°, 15°, and 17° of Trendelenburg positioning,
pausing 2 min after each change. We asked patients to score their discomfort from
0 to 10 in each position.
Results
We enrolled 30 adult patients with a median age of 39 years (range, 20–66 years).
Treating physicians considered 11 of these patients to have hypovolemia. The Valsalva
maneuver decreased CSA (Mean difference = −0.03 cm2), (95% confidence interval [CI] −0.10–0.04). Trendelenburg positioning did not statistically
increase CSA. The 5° position caused the largest increase, that is, 0.04 cm2 (95% CI −0.04–0.12) in the entire group and 0.1 cm2 (95% CI −0.07–0.28) in the hypovolemic subgroup. At greater degrees of Trendelenburg
positioning, patients reported higher discomfort scores or simply dropped out.
Conclusion
The Valsalva maneuver and Trendelenburg angles above 10° do not increase axillary
vein area but do increase patient discomfort. Our data suggest optimal positioning
in the supine resting position or at a 5° Trendelenburg position.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 19, 2013
Accepted:
December 18,
2012
Received in revised form:
December 8,
2012
Received:
July 30,
2012
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
