Table 2

Outcome measures in the ultrasound group versus the landmark group of patients

Outcome measures
Ultrasound group (n = 450)
Landmark group (n = 450)

Access time (seconds)
17.1 ± 16.5 (11.5 to 41.4)a
44 ± 95.4 (33.2 to 77.5)
Success rate
450 (100%)a
425 (94.4%)
Carotid puncture
5 (1.1%)a
48 (10.6%)
Haematoma
2 (0.4%)a
38 (8.4%)
Haemothorax
0 (0%)a
8 (1.7%)
Pneumothorax
0 (0%)a
11 (2.4%)
Average number of attempts
1.1 ± 0.6 (1.1 to 1.9)a
2.6 ± 2.9 (1.5 to 6.3)
CVC-BSI
47 (10.4%)a
72 (16%)

aComparison of the outcome measures between the ultrasound group and the landmark group of patients (p < 0.001). Access time and average number of attempts are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (95% confidence interval). Success rate, carotid puncture, haematoma, haemothorax, pneumothorax, and CVC-BSI are expressed as the absolute number of patients and percentage of their group. CVC-BSI, central venous catheter-associated blood stream infection.

Karakitsos et al. Critical Care 2006 10:R162   doi:10.1186/cc5101