Comparison of point of care ultrasound and chest X-ray for localization of tip of central venous catheter in patients admitted in intensive care unit.

Correct position of central venous catheter is important to avoid life threatening mechanical complications such as cardiac tamponade,cardiac perforation, dysrhythmia and for proper interpretation of central venous pressure and intravascular volume. Real time ultrasound guidance of central venous catheter insertion improves the safety and efficacy of its placement, which has been extensively reported. Ultrasonogrphy confirms correct placement and if found to be malpositioned , it can be repositioned at the same sitting. Hence saves time, cost and radiation exposure to the patient.

In this study we aim to evaluate the efficacy of contrast enhanced ultrasonography using apical four chamber and subcostal view for detection of correct placement of the central venous catheter tip and compare it with chest Xray post central venous catheter insertion.