Comparison of a Novel Geometric Landmark Method Versus Conventional Palpation Technique for Central Venous Cannulation: A Comparative Observational Study of Two Techniques
5 affiliations
- 1Department of Anesthesiology, National Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan
- 2Department of Cardiac Surgery, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan
- 3Department of Cardiac Surgery, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Sukkur, Pakistan
- 4Department of Anesthesiology, General Practice Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
- 5Department of Anesthesiology, SIUT (Congenital Cardiac Surgery Section), Karachi, Pakistan
Abstract
Objective:: To compare the effectiveness and safety of a novel geometric landmark technique with the conventional palpation technique for central venous cannulation.
Study Design:: Comparative observational study.
Place and Duration of the Study:: This study was conducted at National Medical Centre (NMC) from January 01, 2025 to June 30, 2025.
Methods:: A total of 100 adult patients requiring central venous cannulation were enrolled and allocated into two groups based on the technique used. Group A (n = 50) underwent cannulation using the geometric landmark method, while Group B (n = 50) underwent cannulation using the conventional palpation technique. First-attempt success rate was the main outcome. Secondary outcomes were the number of attempts, arterial puncture, and change of technique. SPSS software was used for analysis. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables whereas the Mann-Whitney U test was applied to the non-normally distributed continuous variables. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results:: First-attempt success was significantly higher in the geometric landmark group compared to the palpation group (98% vs. 86%; P = 0.027). The geometric landmark technique was associated with fewer cannulation attempts (mean 1.00 ± 0.00 vs. 1.18 ± 0.57; P = 0.012). Arterial puncture occurred in one patient (2%) in each group, with no statistically significant difference (P = 1.000). Technique change was required in one patient (2%) in each group, with no statistically significant difference between the two techniques (P = 1.000). The two groups had similar baseline demographic and clinical characteristics.
Conclusion:: The geometric landmark technique significantly improves first-attempt success and reduces the number of cannulation attempts compared with the conventional palpation method while maintaining a comparable safety profile. This technique represents a practical and cost-effective alternative for central venous cannulation, particularly in resource-limited settings.
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BibTeX
@article{zahid2026comparison,
title = {{Comparison of a Novel Geometric Landmark Method Versus Conventional Palpation Technique for Central Venous Cannulation: A Comparative Observational Study of Two Techniques}},
author = {Muhammad Arslan Zahid and Ahmed Arslan Shahbaz and Dawood Hasan Khan and Maqsood Ahmed Siddiqui and Wajid Ali and Akbar Mistry},
journal = {Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.4103/aca.aca_43_26},
url = {https://doi.org/10.4103/aca.aca_43_26},
note = {CC BY-NC-SA 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Comparison of a Novel Geometric Landmark Method Versus Conventional Palpation Technique for Central Venous Cannulation: A Comparative Observational Study of Two Techniques
AU - Muhammad Arslan Zahid
AU - Ahmed Arslan Shahbaz
AU - Dawood Hasan Khan
AU - Maqsood Ahmed Siddiqui
AU - Wajid Ali
AU - Akbar Mistry
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/12
JO - Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia
DO - 10.4103/aca.aca_43_26
UR - https://doi.org/10.4103/aca.aca_43_26
AB - Objective:: To compare the effectiveness and safety of a novel geometric landmark technique with the conventional palpation technique for central venous cannulation. Study Design:: Comparative observational study. Place and Duration of the Study:: This study was conducted at National Medical Centre (NMC) from January 01, 2025 to June 30, 2025. Methods:: A total of 100 adult patients requiring central venous cannulation were enrolled and allocated into two groups based on the technique used. Group A (n = 50) underwent cannulation using the geometric landmark method, while Group B (n = 50) underwent cannulation using the conventional palpation technique. First-attempt success rate was the main outcome. Secondary outcomes were the number of attempts, arterial puncture, and change of technique. SPSS software was used for analysis. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables whereas the Mann-Whitney U test was applied to the non-normally distributed continuous variables. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:: First-attempt success was significantly higher in the geometric landmark group compared to the palpation group (98% vs. 86%; P = 0.027). The geometric landmark technique was associated with fewer cannulation attempts (mean 1.00 ± 0.00 vs. 1.18 ± 0.57; P = 0.012). Arterial puncture occurred in one patient (2%) in each group, with no statistically significant difference (P = 1.000). Technique change was required in one patient (2%) in each group, with no statistically significant difference between the two techniques (P = 1.000). The two groups had similar baseline demographic and clinical characteristics. Conclusion:: The geometric landmark technique significantly improves first-attempt success and reduces the number of cannulation attempts compared with the conventional palpation method while maintaining a comparable safety profile. This technique represents a practical and cost-effective alternative for central venous cannulation, particularly in resource-limited settings.
SN - 0971-9784
SN - 0974-5181
ER -