A systematic review 1 including 24 RCTs was abstracted in DARE. Pooled relative risk for number of failures was 0.32 (95% CI 0.18 to 0.55), for complications during placement 0.22 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.45), and for number of attempts before success 0.60 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.79), all in favour of ultrasound guidance.The mean difference in time until successful catheter placement using ultrasound guidance was 9 seconds (95% CI: -80.1 to 62.2) compared to the landmark technique.
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