Ultrasound guided Axillary vein cannulation for intermediate venous access

Safe and reliable vascular access is an essential component of present day health care. Introduction of ultrasound in vascular access enables the clinician to cannulate more peripheral veins to access the central circulation which are easy to maintain and devoid of central complications. Hence the use of peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC) is steadily increasing for intermediate to long term venous access. This study has been designed to evaluate the axillary vein cannulation as a route for central venous access using a conventional (16 gauge 20cm length) single lumen catheter under ultrasound guidance.