A recent research study has evaluated the use of biplane ultrasound imaging for intravenous (IV) catheter placement, examining whether this enhanced approach offers advantages over traditional single-plane methods. Research conducted by Department of Anesthesiology colleagues Ge Qu, M.D., Amanda Frantz, M.D., Cynthia Garvan, Ph.D., Nikolaus Gravenstein, M.D., and Joshua Sappenfield, M.D., found that the use of biplane imaging with a simulator resulted in significantly improving needle accuracy and reducing posterior vessel wall penetrations compared to single-plane imaging. Their article “Biplane Utilization Improves Accuracy for Peripheral IV Placement” was recently published in the Journal of Clinical Ultrasound: Sonography and other Imaging Techniques, sharing these findings.
Conducted with thirty University of Florida faculty, residents, and medical students, the study focused on determining differences in success rates and complication rates between imaging techniques using a commercially available training model. Ultrasound is frequently used to facilitate vascular access, especially in deep peripheral veins. Short-axis views provide spatial context between the needle and vessel, while long-axis views display the full length of the needle. Biplane imaging allows clinicians to view both planes simultaneously.
Participants each completed six ultrasound-guided IV placement attempts, with a randomized sequence of three biplane and three single-plane attempts. While no significant differences were observed in the number of attempts or time to successful IV placement between the two approaches, the researchers found that biplane ultrasound imaging led to significantly fewer needle redirections and posterior wall penetrations. They noted that further studies will be required to determine whether these benefits will translate to clinical practice.
Congratulations to the authors for publishing their research!