Ultrasound guided axillary vein catheterization versus subclavian vein cannulation with landmark technique: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis

Although ultrasound (US) guided axillary vein (AV) catheterization has been well described, evidence for its efficacy and safety compared with conventional infraclavicular landmark guided subclavian vein (SCV) cannulation have not been comprehensively appraised. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether US guided AV catheterization reduces catheterization failures and adverse events compared to SCV puncture based on landmark technique. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, SCOPUS, China Biology Medicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang, and Wei Pu databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studies published from inception to May 2021. Two investigators reviewed and extracted data on study design, number and type of inclusion criteria. Study quality was assessed using the Jadad scale. Outcomes included the puncture success rates and the incidence of adverse events. RESULTS: Data of 1852 patients from five RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. The analysis showed that US guided AV catheterization increased the first (risk ratio (RR), confidence interval (CI)) (RR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.13~1.22, P < .01) and overall (RR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.04~1.15, P < .01) puncture success rate, and reduce the occurrence of adverse events, including the risk of arterial puncture (RR = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.06~0.55, P < .01), pneumo-and hemothorax (RR = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.02~0.64, P = .01). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis indicates that US guided AV catheterization reduces catheterization failures and mechanical complications compared with conventional landmark guided SCV puncture.