Introduction / Innovation Concept: Insertion of an internal jugular (IJ) central venous catheter (CVC) under ultrasound guidance (USG) is a complex skill that requires considerable practice in order to achieve technical proficiency. Simulation allows novices to engage in structured and high volume repetitive practice of USG IJ CVC insertion and to work through a predictable pattern of errors prior to real patient encounters. Based on earlier work on learning curves for CVC insertion, this curriculum uses a model of simulation-based high volume deliberate practice of the fundamental skills of USG CVC insertion, and was designed with careful consideration of the conditions associated with optimal learning and improvement of performance. Methods: Eight residents (post graduate year 2) from the Departments of Emergency Medicine and Anesthesiology engaged in deliberate practice of USG CVC insertion during three two-hour sessions, at 2-week intervals. Progress of the residents was monitored with direct observation and regular hand motion analysis (HMA), which was compared to performance metrics set by a local expert. Curriculum, Tool, or Material: Students reviewed online introductory ultrasound video and articles outlining internal jugular (IJ) and femoral CVC insertion prior to the first session. Session 1 focused on ultrasound skills including knobology, transducer movement, and needle tracking. This was followed by 60 minutes of deliberate practice of the skills of USG CVC insertion on both femoral and IJ models. During sessions 2/3, students practiced complete gowning and draping using sterile technique. This was followed again by deliberate practice of the skills of USG CVC insertion on both femoral and IJ models. Students received coaching and feedback throughout all sessions, with HMA assessment of USG IJ CVC insertion at the beginning and end of each session. After three training sessions, consisting of 85 total attempts, 5/8 residents surpassed the expert benchmark for probe hand motion, 6/8 for needle hand motion, and 1/8 for total procedure time, with the remaining residents approaching the expert benchmark for each metric. Conclusion: We have successfully developed a simulation-based curriculum for USG IJ CVC placement. Residents demonstrated continuous improvement in each session, approaching or exceeding the expert benchmarks by the end of the third session.

Real-time ultrasound guidance for central venous catheterization increases success and reduces procedural complications. I describe a case in which guide wire resistance was encountered and real-time ultrasound visualization of the guide wire facilitated correction of guide wire malposition. No additional passes of the introducer needle were necessary and the chances of inadvertent carotid artery puncture or pneumothorax were therefore reduced. The technique described here may prove valuable when guide wire resistance is encountered while placing a central venous catheter.

The authors report a case of acute vagus nerve paralysis that appeared during a course of chemotherapy. The drugs had been administered through a totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD), whose catheter tip had migrated into the right internal jugular vein (IJV) and was surrounded by a complete venous thrombosis. The supposed aetiology of this paralysis was a leakage of the cytotoxic drug (5-fluorouracil) from the vessel wall into the surrounding carotid space, because of the stagnation of the chemotherapeutic agent above the thrombosis. Four months after cessation of chemotherapy, the laryngeal paralysis was still evident.