[Peripheral truncal blocks-Overview and assessment]. / Periphere Rumpfwandblockaden ­ Übersicht und Bewertung.

By implementation of sonography for regional anesthesia, truncal blocks became more relevant in the daily practice of anesthesia and pain therapy. Due to visualized needle guidance ultrasound supports more safety and helps to avoid complications during needle placement. Additionally, complex punctures are possible that were associated with higher risk using landmarks alone. Next to the blocking of specific nerve structures, interfascial and compartment blocks have also become established, whereby the visualization of individual nerves and plexus structures is not of relevance. The present review article describes published and clinically established puncture techniques with respect to the indications and procedures. The clinical value is reported according to the scientific evidence and the analgesic profile. Moreover, the authors explain potential risks, complications and dosing of local anesthetic agents.

Peripheral nerve blocks on the upper extremity: Technique of landmark-based and ultrasound-guided approaches.

The German Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin, DGAI) established an expert panel to develop preliminary recommendations for the application of peripheral nerve blocks on the upper extremity. The present recommendations state in different variations how ultrasound and/or electrical nerve stimulation guided nerve blocks should be performed. The description of each procedure is rather a recommendation than a guideline. The anaesthesiologist should select the variation of block which provides the highest grade of safety according to his individual opportunities. The first section comprises recommendations regarding dosages of local anaesthetics, general indications and contraindications for peripheral nerve blocks and informations about complications. In the following sections most common blocks techniques on the upper extremity are described.

[Ultrasound guidance for placement control of central venous catheterization. Survey of 802 anesthesia departments for 2007 in Germany]. / Ultraschall und Lagekontrolle bei der Anlage zentraler Venenkatheter. Umfrage unter 802 Anästhesieabteilungen im Jahr 2007 in Deutschland.

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: In 2007 a survey on the development of the current practice of using ultrasound to assist central venous catheter (CVC) placement was carried out in 802 departments of anesthesiology and intensive care medicine in hospitals with more than 200 beds in Germany. These data were compared to data from a survey in 2003. Additionally, data regarding control of CVC positioning were collected. RESULTS: The response rate was 58%. In these 468 departments approximately 340,000 CVCs are placed annually and 317 departments have access to an ultrasound machine. Ultrasound guidance is used by 188 (40%) departments for central venous cannulation. Of these only 24 (12.7%) use ultrasound routinely and 114 (60.6%) use it when faced with a difficult cannulation. Approximately one-third of the users perform continuous ultrasound guidance for CVC placement. Equipment was not at disposal in 115 (41.1%) departments not using ultrasound for CVC placement did not possess the equipment and 93 (33.2%) did not consider ultrasound necessary. Positioning of CVCs was controlled either by electrocardiogram (ECG) guidance and/or chest radiograph in 92%. CONCLUSION: In Germany placement of central venous catheters is still usually based on anatomical landmarks. However, compared to 2003, ultrasound guidance for CVC placement is gradually being introduced (40% compared to 19%). Given the well-documented advantages of ultrasound guidance compared to landmark based approaches for central venous cannulation, acquisition of this technology should belong to the training programme of an anesthesiologist.

Plasma concentrations and clearance of procalcitonin during continuous veno-venous hemofiltration in septic patients.

We determined the elimination characteristics of procalcitonin (PCT) during continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVHF) and the resulting effect on PCT plasma levels. A prospective study was conducted in patients with sepsis and acute oliguric renal failure, treated with CVVHF using a polysulfone membrane (Baxter Renaflo II PSHF 1200). Patients had sepsis and PCT plasma levels > 4 ng ml(-1) (n = 26). PCT was measured in the pre- and post-filter plasma and the ultrafiltrate at 0, 5, 10, and 15 min and 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h after setup of CVVHF. PCT sieving coefficient was 0.24. Elimination of PCT, however, depended on the duration of filtration, because filter adsorption was the main mechanism of PCT clearance during the first hour of hemofiltration, finally increasing to a clearance of PCT into the ultrafiltrate of 2.8-5.5 mL/min after 2 h. PCT plasma levels were not significantly altered during CVVHF (96% of the initial concentration after 24 h, P = 0.72). Similar to what has been observed with cytokines and other proteins of a comparable molecular weight, PCT is removed from the plasma during CVVHF, but plasma PCT levels are unchanged. Thus, PCT can be used as a diagnostic parameter even in patients with acute renal failure undergoing CVVHF.

Left ventricular dysfunction in lethal severe brain injury: impact of transesophageal echocardiography on patient management.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) studies on further patient management and incidence and degree of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in patients with lethal severe brain injury. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective, clinical study in two surgical intensive care units in a university hospital. PATIENTS: In 51 patients with severe brain injury ultimately leading to brain death, the results of TEE studies were reviewed for evidence of newly developed LV dysfunction (i.e., regional wall motion abnormalities) and its impact on patient management. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Seven patients (13.7%) had a diminished LV function global (fractional area change <50%). Four of these patients (7.8%) exhibited a severely reduced LV function (fractional area change <35%). Regional wall motion abnormalities and preserved global function were found in eight patients (15.7%). Patient management was altered in all patients with diminished LV function: implementation of advanced hemodynamic monitoring (n=5), institution or adjustment of inotropes and adjustment of fluid management (n=7). In patients exhibiting a severely reduced LV function and deteriorating cardiovascular status, brain death diagnosis was established by one clinical examination in conjunction with laboratory tests, thus shortening the interval required for brain death diagnosis by about 12 h. CONCLUSIONS: Severe LV dysfunction occurred in about 8% of our patients with severe brain injury ultimately leading to brain death. TEE may be helpful in guiding cardiovascular resuscitation ultimately leading to improved organ procurement rates.

Atropine test and circulatory arrest in the fossa posterior assessed by transcranial Doppler.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether a negative atropine test (i.e., increase in heart rate of less than 3% after intravenous administration of 3 mg atropine) correctly predicts circulatory arrest in the fossa posterior during craniocaudal herniation in patients with primary supratentorial lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective, observational clinical study. SETTING: Two surgical intensive care units in a university hospital. PATIENTS: In 45 consecutive patients with suspected brain death, an atropine test (AT) and a transcranial Doppler sonography were performed simultaneously and, if necessary, repeatedly. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Forty-four patients fulfilled the typical criteria of a supratentorial and infratentorial circulatory arrest as the atropine test became negative. In one patient, who had undergone a decompressive craniectomy for uncontrollable intracranial pressure 4 h prior to the AT testing, we found a negative AT in the presence of an antegrade supratentorial and infratentorial flow. CONCLUSION: A negative atropine test indicates a circulatory arrest in the fossa posterior in patients with primary supratentorial lesions and craniocaudal herniation. In patients with brain-stem lesions, however, a negative atropine test does not unequivocally indicate a circulatory arrest.

Ra adenosine receptors in human platelets. Characterization by 5'-N-ethylcarboxamido[3H]adenosine binding in relation to adenylate cyclase activity.

Adenosine receptors in human platelet membranes have been characterized by radioligand binding and measurement of adenylate cyclase activity. Binding of 5'-N-ethylcarboxamido[3H]adenosine ([3H] NECA ) was rapid, reversible and dependent on protein concentration, pH and temperature. Due to a rapid rate of dissociation (t 1/2 approximately 20 s) binding was highest at 0 degree C. Adenosine deaminase and GTP alone did not influence [3H] NECA binding, whereas several divalent cations decreased binding. Saturation experiments revealed two different binding sites for [3H] NECA , with KD values of 0.16 and 2.9 mumol/l and Bmax values of 8.4 and 33.4 pmol/mg of protein. In competition experiments NECA was the most potent adenosine agonist (IC50 0.5 mumol/l), followed by 2-chloroadenosine (IC50 6.3 mumol/l) and adenosine (IC50 12 mumol/l). A similar rank order of potencies was observed for the stimulatory effect of adenosine analogues on platelet adenylate cyclase. NECA stimulated adenylate cyclase activity with an EC50 value of 0.5 mumol/l and was approximately 4-fold more potent than (-)N6-phenylisopropyladenosine [(-)PIA]. However, (-)PIA and N6-cyclohexyladenosine did not significantly affect [3H] NECA binding, an observation not consistent with the stimulatory effect on adenylate cyclase. The adenosine antagonists 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, theophylline and caffeine showed IC50 values between 98 and 5,600 mumol/l. [3H]PIA bound to platelet membranes with very low affinity and was not displaced by NECA . The [3H] NECA binding to human platelet membranes satisfies essential criteria for Ra adenosine receptors and, with some limitations, should be of value for the characterization of adenosine receptors in Ra subtype selective cells.

Effects of N-ethylmaleimide on adenosine receptors of rat fat cells and human platelets.

N-Ethylmaleimide (NEM) differentially modified Ri adenosine receptors in rat fat cells and Ra adenosine receptors in human platelets. Pretreatment of rat fat cell membranes with NEM inhibited the binding of the agonist (-)N6-phenylisopropyl[3H]adenosine [( 3H]PIA), but did not affect the binding of the antagonist 1,3-diethyl-8-[3H]phenylxanthine [( 3H]DPX). The IC50-value for inhibition of [3H]PIA binding was 0.067 mM. Saturation of [3H]PIA binding revealed that NEM converts the high affinity form of the Ri receptor into a low affinity form. NEM also decreased the potency of agonists to displace [3H]DPX binding, as shown by a 74-fold shift of the Ki-value for (-)PIA, whereas antagonist-induced displacement remained unchanged. In addition, low concentrations of NEM (0.01-0.1 mM) attenuated the (-)PIA-induced inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity of rat fat cells. At higher concentrations (0.1-1 mM) NEM reduced basal and stimulated adenylate cyclase activities in rat fat cells and human platelets, presumably by inactivation of the catalytic unit. Radioligand binding of 5'-N-ethylcarboxamido[3H]-adenosine [( 3H]NECA) to Ra adenosine receptors of human platelet membranes was not changed by NEM at low radioligand concentrations. Saturation analysis of [3H]-NECA binding showed that NEM led to an apparent increase of agonist affinity with a concomitant decrease in total [3H]NECA binding sites. These results suggest that NEM reduces the affinity of Ri adenosine receptors, probably by affecting the inhibitory guanine nucleotide binding protein (Ni), whereas [3H]NECA binding sites are inversely affected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Indocyanine green plasma disappearance rate. Marker of partial hepato-splanchnic ischemia]. / Indozyaningrün-Plasmaverschwinderate. Marker einer partiellen Ischämie im Hepatosplanchnikustrakt.

Indocyanine green (ICG) is nearly exclusively eliminated from the blood by the liver and the ICG plasma disappearance rate (ICG-PDR) enables assessment of liver blood flow and function. The ICG-PDR which nowadays can be measured non-invasively by a transcutaneous system enables bedside and "on-line" regional monitoring in critically ill patients. So far, only complete lack of ICG-PDR as a sign of non-existing perfusion during liver transplantation has been reported. We describe two patients who developed mesenteric ischemia accompanied by an inadequate increase after revascularisation and an acute drop in the ICG-PDR. In both cases, a computed tomography scan was performed and confirmed an acute abdominal ischemia as indicated by ICG-PDR. Both patients suffered from occlusion of the truncus coeliacus while hepato-splanchnic perfusion via the A. mesenterica superior and the V. portae was maintained. ICG-PDR may be helpful for early detection of hepato-splanchnic ischemia and enables rapid and sufficient initiation of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In conclusion, ICG-PDR may be regarded as a clinically attractive bedside monitoring tool for early and reliable detection of partial ischemia in the hepato-splanchnic tract.

[Intoxication with a tricyclic antidepressant]. / Intoxikation mit einem trizyklischen Antidepressivum.

A 48-year-old woman with a major depression and treatment with doxepin was found comatose in her flat. Her son last saw her 48 h prior to being found. On arrival of the emergency physician, she presented a generalized seizure. The patient underwent endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation due to respiratory insufficiency and severe cyanosis. Empty packages of tablets (doxepin ca. 4000 mg and zolpidem 100 mg) were found in the flat. On hospital admission the doxepin blood concentration was 1.2 microg/ml. No life-threatening arrhythmia occurred at any time. On the advice of the poison information center, hemoperfusion was performed for extracorporeal elimination. Within several hours the doxepin blood concentration could be lowered to 0.8 microg/ml and although still above the therapeutic range the patient was extubated. However, the patient developed a generalized seizure which required re-intubation. As a consequence of the high distribution volume and re-distribution phenomena, the doxepin blood concentration had increased again to 1.2 microg/ml. Approximately 72 h later she was extubated again while the doxepin blood concentration was 0.9 microg/ml and 3 days later, the doxepin blood concentration was lowered to 0.3 microg/ml and the patient was transferred to the psychiatric ward the following day. This case report questions the efficacy of hemoperfusion during acute doxepin intoxication in the given constellation of a non-life-threatening arrhythmia.

Transoesophageal echocardiography in critical care.

Echocardiography has evolved to become one of the most versatile modalities for diagnosing and guiding treatment of critically ill patients. Both transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) provide real-time bedside information about a variety of structural and functional abnormalities of the heart as well as contractility, filling status and cardiac output, rendering it the method of choice for the assessment of cardiac function in the intensive care unit (ICU). Both approaches have its benefits and limitations. Although TTE remains the approach of choice, TEE has been shown to be of additional value in many instances in critically ill patients due to its ability to provide excellent visualisation of cardiac structures, its impact on patient management, and its low complication rate (2.6%). The present status of TEE in adult critical care is reviewed with special emphasis on its role as a diagnostic tool in several clinical scenarios, underlining its effects on clinical decision making but also as a monitoring adjunct. Conditions and settings in which TEE provides the most definitive diagnosis in the critically ill and injured are hemodynamically unstable patients with suboptimal TTE images or if mechanically ventilated, patients with suspected aortic dissection or aortic injury and other conditions in which TEE is superior to TTE (such as suspected endocarditis, cardiac or aortic source of emboli. The diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical impact on patient management in critically ill patients ranged from 44% to 99% (weighted mean 67.2%), 10% to 69% (weighted mean 36%), and 2% to 29% (weighted mean 14.1%), respectively, depending on patients and type of ICU. Since echocardiography provides different information than other devices for hemodynamic monitoring such as the pulmonary artery catheter the methods are therefore not competitive but rather complementary. The present body of evidence supporting the use of TEE in critically ill patients lacks prospective, randomized controlled studies focusing on end-points like cost-effectiveness, morbidity or mortality. However, present evidence as well as experience, points to the significant benefits which may be gained by the availability of echocardiography and especially TEE in ICUs, as well the necessity for a training of intensive care physicians.

[Procalcitonin as an early marker of sepsis]. / Prokalzitonin-Schnelltest als Frühmarker einer Sepsis.

A 64-year-old male with an APC resistance (factor V mutation Leiden) and interrupted oral anticoagulation due to an erosive gastritis, was admitted to hospital for increasing dyspnoea. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a floating thrombus via an open foramen ovale in both atria reaching both ventricles. Sonography showed multiple stage thrombosis of the left leg reaching to the V. femoralis superficialis. A few months previously, peripheral pulmonary artery embolization has been confirmed by scintigraphy. The patient was transferred to our hospital and underwent emergency surgery for closure of the atrial septum defect and thrombus removal. On the 4th postoperative day, the patient was transferred to the normal ward, however, on the 10th postoperative day, the patient developed a symptomatic transitory psychotic syndrome and became hypotensive before he was transferred to the ICU. Due to impaired oxygenation and the patient's history, a new pulmonary artery embolization was suspected. After ICU admission, the patient required increasing norepinephrine support and rapidly developed septic fever. However, serum procalcitonin was elevated and a computed tomography (skull, chest and abdomen) was performed for a focus search. Pulmonary artery embolism could be ruled out but an oval structure near to the ampulla recti (ca. 30 x 20 mm) was identified as an abscess and immediate abscess incision was performed. After surgery, the further course was characterized by a steep fall in vasopressor support and body temperature. The patient was transferred to the normal ward on the 2nd postoperative day. This case shows that procalcitonin allows early and reliable diagnosis of sepsis in patients with undefined shock.

[Modified ECG-guidance for optimal central venous catheter tip positioning. A transesophageal echocardiography controlled study]. / Optimierte Positionierung zentraler Venenkatheter durch eine modifizierte Anwendung der intravasalen Elektrokardiographie. Validierung mithilfe der transösophagealen Echokardiographie.

BACKGROUND: Intraatrial electrocardiography (ECG) is a well-established method for central-venous catheter (CVC) placement and an intraatrial position is assumed, when a significantly increased P-wave is registered. However, an increase in P-wave amplitude also occurs in other positions. Therefore we evaluated CVC tip positioning by means of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) at a maximum P-wave amplitude. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective randomized study the right or left internal jugular vein was cannulated with 100 patients in each group and catheter tip positioning was guided by means of ECG. The catheter was fixed at the position of maximum P-wave amplitude and the insertion depth was registered. The relationship of the CVC tip position to the superior edge of the crista terminalis was demonstrated with the help of TEE. RESULTS: In all patients the catheter tip was found +/- 0.5 cm from the superior edge of the crista terminalis at the transition from the superior vena cava to the right atrium. On x-ray control, all catheters ran along the length of the vessel wall of the superior vena cava. CONCLUSIONS: A maximum P-wave is derived even at the entrance to the right atrium. This explains why ECG-guided CVC placement -- based on the largest P-wave amplitude -- consistently resulted in correct positioning of the CVC tip at the transition from the superior vena cava to the right atrium.

The influence of the Univent endotracheal tube on internal jugular vein cannulation.

This prospective clinical investigation assessed the effect of placement of a Univent tube on the anatomy of the internal jugular veins and the success of cannulation of the left internal jugular vein. After obtaining informed consent, 48 adult patients were enrolled. Of these, 42 patients were eligible and were divided into two groups: Univent tube (group U, n=21) and wire enforced endotracheal tube (group C, n=21). The Univent tube group were having a left thoracotomy. Using horizontal ultrasound scans just above the thyroid gland, the internal jugular vein was visualized and measured before and after Univent placement. The number of needle passes necessary to cannulate the left internal jugular vein in the two groups was also compared. Univent tubes were associated with lateral displacement of the right carotid artery and internal jugular vein on the convex side of the Univent tube, with compression of the right internal jugular vein by the artery, resulting in a kidney-shaped cross-section of the vein. On the left (concave side of the tube), the neck was indented, the sheath of the left carotid artery was displaced medially, and the left internal jugular vein distorted to an ellipse. There was a significant increase in the lateral diameter and a decrease in the cross-sectional area of the left internal jugular vein (t-test, P < 0.05). The first attempt at cannulation of the left internal jugular vein failed significantly more often in the Univent group (13/21 vs 5/21 in group C, Chi-square 6.22, P=0.025). Cannulation of the internal jugular vein before placement of the Univent tube, or placement with ultrasound guidance is suggested.

[Ischemia brain infarct and rupture of an infrarenal anortic aneurysm]. / Ischämischer Hirninfarkt und rupturiertes infrarenales Bauchaortenaneurysma.

An 86-year old lady with aphasia, left sided hemiparesis, a heart rate of 110 bpm and a blood pressure of 110/60 mmHg was intubated by the emergency physician. She was given 1000 ml crystalloid fluid IV and brought to our department with suspected stroke. Clinical examination revealed a pulsatile abdominal mass, while immediate CT-scan excluded an intracranial hemorrhage. The patient developed shock and lactic acidosis, and ultrasound examination confirmed the diagnosis of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. The patient underwent emergency laparotomy, and after cross clamping of the aorta a tube prosthesis was inserted. The following day a CT-scan revealed an ischemic brain infarction in the territory of the right middle cerebral artery. On duplex examination, no relevant stenoses of the extracranial arteries could be found. Postoperatively, the patient suffered from bilateral pleural effusions and pneumonia. Finally, she was weaned successfully from the respirator and transferred to a neurologic rehabilitation clinic on day 52 after admission. Even focal neurological deficits, especially when combined with hypotension, may have systemic causes such as anemia and volume depletion, as in this patient with at first hand unnoticed bleeding.

[Acute respiratory failure and mediastinal mass syndrome]. / Akute respiratorische Insuffizienz und mediastinale Raumforderung.

A 46-year-old female with a history of a chronic obstructive lung disease was intubated by the emergency physician for acute respiratory failure. However, after intubation she developed circulatory failure and required cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. The reason for the circulatory failure following muscle relaxation and intubation was identified as a mediastinal mass syndrome. Chest X-ray and computed tomography revealed an apical right-sided large tumor of 8 x 8 cm, which displaced the V. cava superior and caused obstruction of the inferior trachea and right main stem bronchus. She underwent surgery in our institution on the following day and the tumor could be removed completely. Patho-histologic examination verified the diagnosis of a Schwann cell tumor. After stepwise reduction in airway pressures, the patient was successfully weaned from the ventilator without neurologic deficit. About 24 h later she was transferred to the normal surgical ward. A mediastinal tumor with airway and central venous obstruction may be a rare cause of acute respiratory and circulatory failure.

[Seizure as a possible symptom of septic encephalopathy following transrectal prostate needle biopsy]. / Generalisierter Krampfanfall als mögliches Zeichen einer septischen Enzephalopathie nach transrektaler Prostatabiopsie.

A 47-year-old male patient developed a seizure and was admitted to our institution by the emergency physician after tracheal intubation due to suspected primary intracerebral lesion. A primary neurological disorder could be excluded. Urosepsis with positive blood cultures for E. coli was diagnosed and the patient received appropriate antibiotic treatment. On the following day relatives mentioned an ambulatory prostate needle puncture on the day prior to admission. After stabilisation of organ function, the patient could be weaned from the ventilator and transferred to the urological ward a few days later. In conclusion, a seizure may be a possible symptom of septic encephalopathy which by definition is a diagnosis by exclusion. In general, transrectal prostate needle biopsy may be considered as a rare cause of sepsis and septic shock.

[Paraparesis of the lower extremities after acute aortic dissection and a thoracic meningioma]. / Paraparese der unteren Extremität bei akuter Aortendissektion und thorakalem Meningeom.

HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS: A 70-year-old woman with acute chest pain was admitted to a hospital in stable cardiovascular conditions. The patient had no history of cardio-circulatory disease. INVESTIGATIONS: An acute myocardial infarction was excluded by ECG and blood tests. A computed tomography (CT) revealed an aortic dissection (Stanford type A) which extended to the left subclavian artery. TREATMENT AND COURSE: She was transferred to our institution and underwent urgent operation during which the ascending aorta and the proximal arch were replaced by a prosthesis. A few days after surgery, she developed progressive paresis of both legs. A control CT scan of the aorta revealed no evidence of a persisting aortic dissection. However, magnetic resonance tomography showed a meningioma of the thoracic spinal cord. The patient underwent surgical resection of the meningioma and her neurological symptoms diminished over the next few days. CONCLUSION: Besides spinal ischemia, paresis of both legs after acute aortic dissection may be caused by rare lesions such as a thoracic meningioma.

[Left ventricular aneurysm after myocardial contusion caused by blunt chest trauma]. / Linksventrikuläres Aneurysma nach Myokardkontusion bei stumpfem Thoraxtrauma.

A 30-year old male car-driver was polytraumatized after a frontal collision with another motor vehicle (left-sided rib fractures, right-sided pneumothorax, multiple lung contusions, anterior and posterior pelvic ring fracture, femoral shaft fracture, traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage. After intubation and hemodynamic stabilization on the scene of accident, he was transported to our institution. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed a left-ventricular anteroseptal akinesia and patchy intramyocardial hyperdensities as indicator of myocardial contusion which was confirmed later by autopsy. In the further course, the patient developed an anteroseptal aneurysm with severe left ventricular dysfunction nad episodes of arrhythmias. Finally, septic shock complicated the case and the patient died 30 days of intensive care from therapy-refractory multiple organ system failure.

[On the use of ultrasound to assist central vein cannulation in Germany: a surgery of 817 departments of anesthesia]. / Zur Anwendung von Ultraschall bei der Anlage zentraler Venenkatheter in Deutschland: Eine Umfrage unter 817 Anästhesieabteilungen.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: A survey on the current practice in using portable ultrasound machines to assist central vein cannulation was performed by sending a questionnaire to 817 departments of anaesthesiology and intensive care medicine in Germany. Also, incomplete questionnaires were included in the analysis. RESULTS: There was a 54 % response rate. Ultrasound guidance is used by 83 (18.7 %) departments for central vein cannulation. Of these, only 7 (8.4 %) use it routinely and 43 (51.8 %) use it when faced with a difficult vein cannulation. Only one third of the departments with ultrasound facilities are using it optimally, e. g. cannulation under ultrasound guidance. Of those units not using ultrasound for central vein cannulation, 136 (37.7 %) said it was because of lack of equipment and 199 (55.1 %) did not think that it was necessary. CONCLUSION: In Germany, placement of central venous catheters is usually based on anatomical landmarks. Every anaesthetist and intensive care physician should be able to place central venous catheters without an ultrasound device. Still there is not a doubt that ultrasound assistance is useful for beginners, in children, and when blind cannulation fails. Also in patients in whom catheterisation is likely to be difficult (e. g. patients, with previous central venous catheters, with abnormal anatomy etc.) Due to our data a promotion of ultrasound assistance seems urgently required.