Introduction: Ultrasound is routinely used for central venous cannulation. After cannulation, a chest radiograph is obtained for detection of complications. Ultrasound also can detect pneumothorax and visualize catheter in central veins.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of ultrasound for detection of complications associated with central venous cannulation and its comparison with chest radiography.

Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in surgical intensive care unit at a tertiary care teaching hospital. We evaluated 53 patients undergoing central venous cannulation with ultrasound guidance. After cannulation, a chest radiograph was obtained in all patients. Ultrasound was performed for detection of pneumothorax and catheter misplacement.

Results: Ultrasound examination for detection of central venous cannulation (CVC) related complications were satisfactory in 40 patients. None of the patients developed pneumothorax immediately after the procedure. Catheter misplacement occurred in 2 patients of which one was detected by ultrasound. The mean time required for ultrasound examination (8.27 ± 2.47 min) was significantly less than that of chest radiography (81.56±14.70 min).

Conclusion: The ultrasound is a useful modality to ensure correct catheter position and to detect pneumothorax after central venous cannulation in the hands of trainee anesthesiologists. It is time and cost effective and radiation exposure with chest radiography can be avoided. Chest radiography can be used when ultrasound examination is found unsatisfactory due to technical limitations.