Abstract
Objective: We studied finder needle use in Internal Jugular Vein (IJV) catheterization
and complications rate in adult cardiac surgery.
Methods: A prospective study was carried out for 3 month period from august to
November 2007 and all patients older than 18 years who underwent elective cardiac
surgery were studied. Data were collected about using finder needle, patient position,
success rate, intra and postoperative complications of IJV catheterization.
Results: Out of 399 patients, 42 patients were excluded from study. Of remaining 357
patients, in 93% right internal jugular vein was the preferred vein. Finder needle was
used in 148 (45.8%) of IJV catheterization (group one) versus 175 (54.2%) patients
that IJV catheterization were done without finder needle (group two). Anesthesiology
residents significantly used finder needle more than attendings (p=0.001). Using
finder needle significantly increased catheterization time from 5.8±2.2 to 8.6±3.4
minutes (p=0.002). There were no significant differences in complications and
success rate between two groups.
Conclusions: To reduce complications or increase success rate, there is not any need
for finder needle use in internal jugular vein catheterization. (Rawal Med J
2008;33:74-77)

Key words: Internal jugular vein, complications, Central venous catheterization, finder needle, Seldinger technique.