CVP is usually measured in: September 2009

Ans. A: Superior vena cava CVP is usually measured in Superior vena cava with the catheter inseed into a large vein in the neck (internal jugular vein), chest (subclan vein) or groin (femoral vein) known as central venous catheter ("central line", "CVC", "central venous line" or "central venous access catheter") It is used to administer medication or fluids, obtain blood tests (specifically the "mixed venous oxygen saturation"), and directly obtain cardiovascular measurements such as the central venous pressure, sometimes termed preload. Ceain medications, such as inotropes and amiodarone, are preferably given through a central line Site-Specific Complications Femoral vein: The most potentially serious complication is inadveent penetration of the peritoneal cavity or rectum. This complication can be avoided by ensuring the site of inseion is below the inguinal ligament and the needle is not directed too posteriorly or inseed too deeply. Internal Jugular vein: Cannulation of the IJ vein is also relatively safe but less so than femoral vein cannulation. As previously described, inadveent puncture of the carotid aery can be problematic. Accidental injury to the brachial plexus has also been described. The most impoant potential complication is accidental pneumothorax. Subclan vein: The location of the subclan vein is such that it is possible for the needle to inadveently penetrate the pleural space and create a pneumothorax. This complication occurs in up to 5% of attempted subclan line placements. More skilled operators have a lower incidence of this complication, so subclan cannulation is recommended only for those who have experience with this technique.