Duplex scanning of central vascular access sites in burn patients

Michael Wait, John L. Hunt, Gary F. Purdue

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

Seventy-one burned patients requiring intensive care unit management underwent 570 central venous and 167 femoral arterial catheterizations. These patients were surveyed by repeated physical examinations and duplex scans for vascular-related complications. Catheter sites were rotated every 3 days. No arterial thrombi or occlusions were noted. Fourteen patients (19.6%) had 19 positive venous duplex scans. Five patients (7%) had symptomatic deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and nine (12.6%) had asymptomatic DVT. Mean number of venous cannulations before a positive scan was 4.3 (range 1 to 17). All five symptomatic patients had DVT that originated in the lower extremities. No patient had clinical evidence of a pulmonary embolus, or limb morbidity resulting from the DVT. Follow-up duplex scans in the five asymptomatic and three symptomatic patients showed complete resolution in each case. This study demonstrates the high incidence and natural history of central DVT in a group of critically ill burn patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)499-503
Number of pages5
JournalAnnals of surgery
Volume211
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1990

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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