OBJECTIVES: To analyse complications in the catheterization of the internal jugular vein using the Boulanger technique and to establish a rating of difficulty and risk when the procedure is carried out by physicians in training. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective study of 296 internal jugular vein (IJV) catheterizations by the Boulanger technique carried out by physicians in training (group R2 and group R3-4) or by departmental staff physicians (group staff). Time taken for venous catheterization, rate of success and complications were recorded for each physician performing the procedure. RESULTS: The complication most often observed (11.4%) was puncture of the carotid artery (14.3% group R2, 10% group R3-4 and 8.2% staff), followed by arrhythmia upon insertion of the metal guide (1.6%). There were no instances of pneumothorax or hemothorax, nor any other of the early complications considered infrequent. Success ranged from 68.8% for group R2 to 85.7% for staff. Mean time used in group R2 was 238.7 seconds, while for staff it was 118.3 seconds. CONCLUSION: We suggest that the Boulanger technique for catheterization of the internal jugular vein is a good one and is not particularly hazardous when performed by resident physicians in training.
OBJECTIVES: To analyse complications in the catheterization of the internal jugular vein using the Boulanger technique and to establish a rating of difficulty and risk when the procedure is carried out by physicians in training. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective study of 296 internal jugular vein (IJV) catheterizations by the Boulanger technique carried out by physicians in training (group R2 and group R3-4) or by departmental staff physicians (group staff). Time taken for venous catheterization, rate of success and complications were recorded for each physician performing the procedure. RESULTS: The complication most often observed (11.4%) was puncture of the carotid artery (14.3% group R2, 10% group R3-4 and 8.2% staff), followed by arrhythmia upon insertion of the metal guide (1.6%). There were no instances of pneumothorax or hemothorax, nor any other of the early complications considered infrequent. Success ranged from 68.8% for group R2 to 85.7% for staff. Mean time used in group R2 was 238.7 seconds, while for staff it was 118.3 seconds. CONCLUSION: We suggest that the Boulanger technique for catheterization of the internal jugular vein is a good one and is not particularly hazardous when performed by resident physicians in training.