Abstract:

Objective: This study aimed to convey our experience in opening the central venous catheter (CVC) with ultrasound (US) in children under 18 years old who came to our clinic between September 01, 2018, and December 15, 2019. Methods: This study included 20 patients with a body burn surface of ≥15% due to electrical, chemical, and inhalation burns, of which vascular access is impossible despite at least 5 years of experienced assistant health personnel. Patients with thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy, whose catheter could not be opened with the US and were not allowed to be operated on by their parents were excluded from the study. Results: Included patients were determined to be equal in gender. The mean age values of patients were calculated as 39.45±39.10 months, and the average burn percentage was 27.25±8.95%. The cause of burns examination revealed that 13 (65%) patients had hot water, 1 (5%) had hot tea, 4 (20%) had hot milk, and 2 (10%) had flame burns. The examination for the CVC opening indication revealed that 14 patients (70%) were tried by experienced medical staff, but the CVC was observed to be opened for 6 patients (30%) due to the prevention of hypovolemia. Conclusion: Our study results showed that the CVC opening performed with the help of the US in the pediatric patient group should be the preferred method of choice for patients with burns since it has both fewer complications and a higher chance of success.

Keywords: