Effects of transmission frequency and puncture needle properties on the ultrasonic visibility of the puncture needle tip: a fundamental study

Abstract

Since hemodialysis catheter placement has been reported to carry a high risk of serious complications, safer ultrasound-guided procedures are required. In this study, we examined the factors affecting the ultrasonic visibility of the short-axis of the puncture needle tip using a simulator. There was no significant difference in needle tip visibility between metal needles of the same gauge with bevel angles of 12° and 18°, but tip visibility was significantly higher at a transmission frequency of 8MHz than at a transmission frequency of 13MHz at both bevel angles. There was no significant difference in needle tip visibility between a 20-gauge needle and a 23-gauge needle with the same bevel angle, but needle tip visibility was significantly higher at 8MHz than at 13MHz at both gauges. In an examination of bevel orientation, needle tip visibility was significantly reduced when the bevel opening was rotated 45° or 90° compared with when the bevel opening was directly facing the ultrasound beam. The use of a lower transmission frequency of <10MHz and ensuring that the puncture needle bevel directly faces the ultrasound probe have the potential to improve needle tip visibility during short-axis ultrasound-guided central vein puncture.