Comparing Axillary Vein Cannulation with 'Hockey' Probe Versus Linear Probe for Central Venous Access

Central venous catheterization, specifically through the axillary vein, is a procedure of critical importance in various clinical contexts. Site selection is dependent on clinical assessment, experience and the physician preference. This study aims to evaluate the potential advantages of using the "hockey stick" ultrasonography probe for axillary vein cannulation and determine whether this probe enhances axillary vein imaging, accelerates the central vein cannulation procedure and reduces the rate of complications compared to the linear probe. Methods: 100 participants were recruited and allocated into two groups: the linear probe group and the hockey stick probe group. All procedures were performed by two senior anesthesia and intensive care residents, each with experience of over 100 central vascular access procedures. Follow-up chest X-rays were taken two hours post-procedure to verify the correct position of the catheter and to rule out complications such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, cardiac tamponade, and incorrect line placement.