The American journal of emergency medicine
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
A comparison of the supraclavicular and infraclavicular views for imaging the subclavian vein with ultrasound.
Ultrasound guidance for central line placement in the subclavian vein (SCV) is more efficient and safer than landmark-based technique. The supraclavicular (SC) approach is an alternative to the infraclavicular (IC) approach, but the research is sparse. The objective was to determine which approach provides the best view. ⋯ The SC approach allows for a better view of the SCV on ultrasound than the IC approach. Future research should determine if this translates to a greater success rate when placing central lines in the SCV.