2. INTRODUCTION
Venesection is the surgical emergency procedure in which
vein is exposed surgically and then a wide bore cannula is
inserted inside the vein under the direct vision.
Used to get vascular access in trauma and hypovolemic shock
patient when peripheral veins are collapsed and peripheral
cannulation is difficult or impossible.
A long cannula may be passed down the vein upto the
superior venacava and central venous pressure (C.V.P) may
be measured
3. If performed properly peripheral venous cut-down remains a relatively rapid,
technically simple and complications free means to obtain and ensure vascular access.
Fallen out of favour with the development of safer technique for central venous
catheterization as modified seldinger technique, intraosseous infusion.
However, venesection remains an excellent alternative when all other approaches have
failed.
4. INDICATIONS
Absence of peripheral sites for iv cannulation as in obese patient, iv drug users
Hypovolaemic shock necessitating rapid large volume fluid resuscitation
Venous access in critically ill infants and small children secondary to non visible and
non palpable peripheral veins
6. SITES
Great saphenous vein at the ankle or at the groin
Basilic vein at the arm
Cephalic vein at the deltopectrol groove
Great saphenous vein at the ankle is the most commonly used site.
7. CONTRAINDICATIONS
Coagulopathy or bleeding diathesis
Vein thrombosis
Overlying cellulitis
Significant vascular or orthopedic injury to the site of cut down
Previous operative harvesting of saphenous vein bypass graft in case of saphenous
vein cut down
Less invasive or technically faster means of central or adequate peripheral access
exists.
8. EQUIPMENT
Mask, gloves and drape
Sterile prepatory solution
Syringe; 5ml with a 25 gauze needle
Scalpel No. 10 or No. 11
Curved haemostat
Scissor
IV catheter ≥ 14 guaze
IV tubing
Two silk ties 3-0
Prolene suture, 4-0; cutting needle
Tourniquet may be used
9. PROCEDURE
Patient is placed in a supine position with foot externally rotated
Preparing the skin of the ankle with the antiseptic solution like betadine
Draping of the area
Locating the vein 1cm medial and 1cm superior to medial malleolus
Anaesthetizing the skin over the area by infiltrating 1% lidocaine with or without
adrenaline through 25 gauze needle
10. Making around 2.5 cm full thickness
transverse skin incision over the site
Bluntly dissecting the subcutaneous tissue
parallel to the course of great saphenous vein
with curved haemostat
Freeing the vein from its bed for the length of
2 cm
11. Passing the ties with the curved haemostat underneath the
exposed veins proximally and distally
Ligating distal exposed vein and leaving the free end of
the tie in place for traction
Applying traction on the proximal tie to further expose
the vessel from its bed
Performing a small transverse venotomy through no
more than 50% of the total diameter of the vessel
12. Introducing plastic catheter (≥14 guaze) through
venotomy opening and securing it with the proximal
tie
Attaching intravenous tubing to the catheter
Alternatively, iv tubing can be inserted directly into the
venotomy site for more rapid flow rates
Applying sterile dressing