line position

Ideal Position: T8-T9, outside of the cardiac silhouette 

Can Be Used: Lines with tips in the ductus venosus can be used (~T10)

Contraindications: 

• Intracardiac (higher than ~T7) lines should be pulled back. 

• Lines with tips in the liver should not be used. 

• Lines may be pulled back 1-2cm to a low lying level and used until alternative access is gained within 24-48hrs. 

• In order to use, it is essential that the line bleeds back and flushes easily. 

Ideal Position: T6-T9 (T7 is heaven, T8 is great)

Can Be Used: L3-L4

Contraindications: 

• Low lying lines more likely to cause vascular compromise. 

• Monitor lower limbs and buttocks closely. 

Ideal Position: T4-T5, ~1 vertebral body below carina, outside of the cardiac silhouette.

Can Be Used: T4-T5, at level/ 1 vertebral body below carina, outside of the cardiac silhouette 

Contraindications: 

• Lines with tips at axilla/ shoulder should not be used. 

  • These lines may be pulled back to the level of the mid-humerus and used as a peripheral line for 4-5 days until alternative access is available. 

• Watch carefully for signs of infiltration. 

Ideal Position: T9-T10, outside of the cardiac silhouette 

Can Be Used: Lower positions may be used but avoid renal veins at L2

Contraindications: 

• Lines with tips at groin should not be used. 

  • These lines may be pulled back to the level of mid-femur and used as a peripheral line for 4-5 days until alternative access is gained. 

• Watch carefully for signs of infiltration. 

Ideal Position: T4-T5, outside of the cardiac silhouette 

Can Be Used: Only as above

Contraindications: 

• Line tips within the neck should not be used. 

Ideal Position: T4-T5, outside of the cardiac silhouette  

Can Be Used: Only as above

Contraindications: 

• N/A

Ideal Position: Tip in lower IVC / iliac vein acceptable 

Can Be Used: Only as above

Contraindications: 

• Line must bleed back and flush easily.