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Superior Vena Cava and Its Relationship to Central Venous Pressure Measurements in Liver Transplantation

Superior Vena Cava (SVC) Diameter and Collapsibility Index and Its Relationship to Central Venous Pressure (CVP) Measurements in Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT02818218
Enrollment
58
Registered
2016-06-29
Start date
2016-07-01
Completion date
2020-09-30
Last updated
2025-08-07

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Liver Failure

Brief summary

Consecutive patients undergoing liver transplant surgery will be included in the study. Before surgical incision, during the preanhepatic phase, during the anhepatic phase, during the postanhepatic phase and following closure of the deep fascial layer of the anterior abdominal wall simultaneous measurement of SVC diameter, SBC collapsibility index and CVP will be recorded.

Detailed description

Central venous pressure (CVP) measured invasively through a central venous catheter in the internal jugular vein or through a right atrial port of a pulmonary artery catheter is commonly used during liver transplant surgery. CVP measurements at the SVC-RA junction are a function of circulating blood volume, right ventricle function, intrathoracic pressure. CVP measurements can also be affected by the presence of tricuspid regurgitation. Because central venous pressure measurements are determined by several factors and do not predict the response to subsequent fluid bolus administration, they are considered static measures and are poor indicators of fluid responsiveness. Given the entirely intrathoracic location of the superior vena cava (SVC), its diameter and collapsibility with positive pressure ventilation it is a potentially attractive method of non-invasively estimating CVP. SVC diameter and collapsibility index, dynamic measures of fluid responsiveness have been successfully utilized as echocardiographic indices for fluid responsiveness in ventilated septic patients. Whether SVC collapsibility is correlated with CVP measurements in liver transplant patients is not known. Consecutive patients undergoing liver transplant surgery will be included in the study. Before surgical incision, during the preanhepatic phase, during the anhepatic phase, during the postanhepatic phase and following closure of the deep fascial layer of the anterior abdominal wall simultaneous measurement of SVC diameter, SBC collapsibility index and CVP will be recorded.

Interventions

PROCEDURELiver Transplant

liver transplant recipient surgery

Sponsors

The Cleveland Clinic
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* 18 years of age * undergoing liver transplantation surgery (cadaveric and living related)

Exclusion criteria

* Contraindication to Transesophageal echocardiography

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Central Venous Pressure (CVP)From the time patients enter the operating room to leaving the operating room, up to 24 hours.Central Venous Pressure (CVP) reflects the amount of blood returning to the heart (venous return) and the ability of the heart to pump the blood into the arterial system. It was captured electronically via an automated record-keeping system. CVP were recorded by experienced anesthesiologists with expertise and qualifications in TEE at five key time points: before surgical incision, start of the preanhepatic phase, start of the anhepatic phase, start of the postanhepatic phase, and after closure of the deep fascial layer of the anterior abdominal wall. Low CVP (\< 2 mmHg) suggests hypovolemia, dehydration, or blood loss, while normal CVP (2-8 mmHg) indicates balanced fluid status. A high CVP (\> 8 mmHg) may indicate fluid overload, right heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or cardiac tamponade.
Correlation of Central Venous Pressure (CVP) and Superior Vena Cava (SVC) Collapsibility IndexFrom the time patients enter the operating room to leaving the operating room, up to 24 hours.The Superior Vena Cava (SVC) Collapsibility Index is used to assess intravascular volume status and fluid responsiveness. The Superior Vena Cava (SVC) collapsibility index was obtained from (Maximum Diameter-Minimum Diameter)/(Maximum Diameter)\*100%. Central Venous Pressure (CVP) and SVC were recorded simultaneously by experienced anesthesiologists with expertise and qualifications in TEE at five key time points: before surgical incision, start of the preanhepatic phase, start of the anhepatic phase, start of the postanhepatic phase, and after closure of the deep fascial layer of the anterior abdominal wall. The interpretation of the SVC Collapsibility Index is categorized as follows: \< 20% indicates low collapsibility, suggesting adequate or high intravascular volume; 20-36% represents an indeterminate zone, requiring additional assessment to determine fluid responsiveness; and \> 36% reflects high collapsibility, suggesting hypovolemia or significant fluid deficit.
Correlation of Central Venous Pressure (CVP) and Minimum Diameter of Superior Vena Cava (SVC)From the time patients enter the operating room to leaving the operating room, up to 24 hours.The diameter of Superior Vena Cava (normal diameter: 12-22 mm) ) was obtained using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Central Venous Pressure (CVP) and SVC were recorded simultaneously by experienced anesthesiologists with expertise and qualifications in TEE at five key time points: before surgical incision, start of the preanhepatic phase, start of the anhepatic phase, start of the postanhepatic phase, and after closure of the deep fascial layer of the anterior abdominal wall.
Correlation of Central Venous Pressure (CVP) and Maximum Diameter of Superior Vena Cava (SVC)From the time patients enter the operating room to leaving the operating room, up to 24 hours.The diameter of the Superior Vena Cava (normal diameter: 12-22 mm) ) was obtained using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Central Venous Pressure (CVP) and SVC were recorded simultaneously by experienced anesthesiologists with expertise and qualifications in TEE at five key time points: before surgical incision, start of the preanhepatic phase, start of the anhepatic phase, start of the postanhepatic phase, and after closure of the deep fascial layer of the anterior abdominal wall.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Cardiac IndexFrom the time patients enter the operating room to leaving the operating room, up to 24 hours.The Cardiac Index measures the efficiency of the heart's pumping function (normal range: 2.6 to 4.2 L/min/m2). It was captured electronically via an automated record-keeping system. Cardiac Index was recorded by experienced anesthesiologists with expertise and qualifications in TEE at five key time points: before surgical incision, start of the preanhepatic phase, start of the anhepatic phase, start of the postanhepatic phase, and after closure of the deep fascial layer of the anterior abdominal wall.
Correlation of Cardiac Index (CI) and Superior Vena Cava (SVC) Collapsibility IndexFrom the time patients enter the operating room to leaving the operating room, up to 24 hours.The Superior Vena Cava (SVC) Collapsibility Index is used to assess intravascular volume status and fluid responsiveness. The Superior Vena Cava (SVC) collapsibility index was obtained from (Maximum Diameter-Minimum Diameter)/(Maximum Diameter)\*100%. Central Venous Pressure (CVP) and SVC were recorded simultaneously by experienced anesthesiologists with expertise and qualifications in TEE at five key time points: before surgical incision, start of the preanhepatic phase, start of the anhepatic phase, start of the postanhepatic phase, and after closure of the deep fascial layer of the anterior abdominal wall. The interpretation of the SVC Collapsibility Index is categorized as follows: \< 20% indicates low collapsibility, suggesting adequate or high intravascular volume; 20-36% represents an indeterminate zone, requiring additional assessment to determine fluid responsiveness; and \> 36% reflects high collapsibility, suggesting hypovolemia or significant fluid deficit.
Correlation of Cardiac Index (CI) and Minimum Diameter of Superior Vena Cava (SVC)From the time patients enter the operating room to leaving the operating room, up to 24 hours.The diameter of the Superior Vena Cava (normal diameter: 12-22 mm) ) was obtained using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Cardiac Index and Superior Vena Cava (SVC) were recorded simultaneously by experienced anesthesiologists with expertise and qualifications in TEE at five key time points: before surgical incision, start of the preanhepatic phase, start of the anhepatic phase, start of the postanhepatic phase, and after closure of the deep fascial layer of the anterior abdominal wall.
Correlation of Cardiac Index (CI) and Maximum Diameter of Superior Vena Cava (SVC)From the time patients enter the operating room to leaving the operating room, up to 24 hours.The diameter of the Superior Vena Cava (normal diameter: 12-22 mm) ) was obtained using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Cardiac Index and Superior Vena Cava (SVC) were recorded simultaneously by experienced anesthesiologists with expertise and qualifications in TEE at five key time points: before surgical incision, start of the preanhepatic phase, start of the anhepatic phase, start of the postanhepatic phase, and after closure of the deep fascial layer of the anterior abdominal wall.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Liver Transplantation Patients
We conducted a prospective, single-group, observational study in order to assess the correlation between the diameter of the superior vena cava (SVC) and the central venous pressure (CVP) in patients undergoing liver transplantation surgeries. Aside for the transthoracic echocardiogram necessary to measure the SVC, no additional treatments were applied to the patient population.
58
Total58

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicLiver Transplantation Patients
Age, Continuous60 years
Alcoholic Cirrhosis18 Participants
ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) physical status
3 (Severe systemic illness)
3 Participants
ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) physical status
4 (Life-threatening systemic illness)
53 Participants
ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) physical status
5 (Not expected to survive without the operation)
2 Participants
BMI29 kg/m2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6
Current smoker26 Participants
Hepatocellular Carcinoma17 Participants
Non-alcoholic Steatohepatosis (NASH)39 Participants
Primary Billary Cirrhosis1 Participants
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis7 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Other
10 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
White
48 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
17 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
41 Participants
Viral Cirrhosis16 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 58
other
Total, other adverse events
0 / 58
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 58

Outcome results

Primary

Central Venous Pressure (CVP)

Central Venous Pressure (CVP) reflects the amount of blood returning to the heart (venous return) and the ability of the heart to pump the blood into the arterial system. It was captured electronically via an automated record-keeping system. CVP were recorded by experienced anesthesiologists with expertise and qualifications in TEE at five key time points: before surgical incision, start of the preanhepatic phase, start of the anhepatic phase, start of the postanhepatic phase, and after closure of the deep fascial layer of the anterior abdominal wall. Low CVP (\< 2 mmHg) suggests hypovolemia, dehydration, or blood loss, while normal CVP (2-8 mmHg) indicates balanced fluid status. A high CVP (\> 8 mmHg) may indicate fluid overload, right heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or cardiac tamponade.

Time frame: From the time patients enter the operating room to leaving the operating room, up to 24 hours.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Liver Transplantation PatientsCentral Venous Pressure (CVP)11.7 mmHgStandard Deviation 4.9
Primary

Correlation of Central Venous Pressure (CVP) and Maximum Diameter of Superior Vena Cava (SVC)

The diameter of the Superior Vena Cava (normal diameter: 12-22 mm) ) was obtained using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Central Venous Pressure (CVP) and SVC were recorded simultaneously by experienced anesthesiologists with expertise and qualifications in TEE at five key time points: before surgical incision, start of the preanhepatic phase, start of the anhepatic phase, start of the postanhepatic phase, and after closure of the deep fascial layer of the anterior abdominal wall.

Time frame: From the time patients enter the operating room to leaving the operating room, up to 24 hours.

Population: maximum Superior Vena Cava (SVC)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Liver Transplantation PatientsCorrelation of Central Venous Pressure (CVP) and Maximum Diameter of Superior Vena Cava (SVC)17.3 mmStandard Deviation 3.2
p-value: <0.00198.3% CI: [0.19, 0.48]Repeated measures correlation (rmcorr)
Primary

Correlation of Central Venous Pressure (CVP) and Minimum Diameter of Superior Vena Cava (SVC)

The diameter of Superior Vena Cava (normal diameter: 12-22 mm) ) was obtained using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Central Venous Pressure (CVP) and SVC were recorded simultaneously by experienced anesthesiologists with expertise and qualifications in TEE at five key time points: before surgical incision, start of the preanhepatic phase, start of the anhepatic phase, start of the postanhepatic phase, and after closure of the deep fascial layer of the anterior abdominal wall.

Time frame: From the time patients enter the operating room to leaving the operating room, up to 24 hours.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Liver Transplantation PatientsCorrelation of Central Venous Pressure (CVP) and Minimum Diameter of Superior Vena Cava (SVC)12.8 mmStandard Deviation 3.1
p-value: <0.00198.3% CI: [0.11, 0.42]Repeated measures correlation (rmcorr)
Primary

Correlation of Central Venous Pressure (CVP) and Superior Vena Cava (SVC) Collapsibility Index

The Superior Vena Cava (SVC) Collapsibility Index is used to assess intravascular volume status and fluid responsiveness. The Superior Vena Cava (SVC) collapsibility index was obtained from (Maximum Diameter-Minimum Diameter)/(Maximum Diameter)\*100%. Central Venous Pressure (CVP) and SVC were recorded simultaneously by experienced anesthesiologists with expertise and qualifications in TEE at five key time points: before surgical incision, start of the preanhepatic phase, start of the anhepatic phase, start of the postanhepatic phase, and after closure of the deep fascial layer of the anterior abdominal wall. The interpretation of the SVC Collapsibility Index is categorized as follows: \< 20% indicates low collapsibility, suggesting adequate or high intravascular volume; 20-36% represents an indeterminate zone, requiring additional assessment to determine fluid responsiveness; and \> 36% reflects high collapsibility, suggesting hypovolemia or significant fluid deficit.

Time frame: From the time patients enter the operating room to leaving the operating room, up to 24 hours.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Liver Transplantation PatientsCorrelation of Central Venous Pressure (CVP) and Superior Vena Cava (SVC) Collapsibility Index26 indexStandard Deviation 11
p-value: 0.94498.3% CI: [-0.161, 0.17]Repeated measures correlation (rmcorr)
Secondary

Cardiac Index

The Cardiac Index measures the efficiency of the heart's pumping function (normal range: 2.6 to 4.2 L/min/m2). It was captured electronically via an automated record-keeping system. Cardiac Index was recorded by experienced anesthesiologists with expertise and qualifications in TEE at five key time points: before surgical incision, start of the preanhepatic phase, start of the anhepatic phase, start of the postanhepatic phase, and after closure of the deep fascial layer of the anterior abdominal wall.

Time frame: From the time patients enter the operating room to leaving the operating room, up to 24 hours.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Liver Transplantation PatientsCardiac Index4.4 L/min/m2Standard Deviation 1.5
Secondary

Correlation of Cardiac Index (CI) and Maximum Diameter of Superior Vena Cava (SVC)

The diameter of the Superior Vena Cava (normal diameter: 12-22 mm) ) was obtained using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Cardiac Index and Superior Vena Cava (SVC) were recorded simultaneously by experienced anesthesiologists with expertise and qualifications in TEE at five key time points: before surgical incision, start of the preanhepatic phase, start of the anhepatic phase, start of the postanhepatic phase, and after closure of the deep fascial layer of the anterior abdominal wall.

Time frame: From the time patients enter the operating room to leaving the operating room, up to 24 hours.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Liver Transplantation PatientsCorrelation of Cardiac Index (CI) and Maximum Diameter of Superior Vena Cava (SVC)17.3 mmStandard Deviation 3.2
p-value: <0.00198.3% CI: [0.17, 0.47]Repeated measures correlation (rmcorr)
Secondary

Correlation of Cardiac Index (CI) and Minimum Diameter of Superior Vena Cava (SVC)

The diameter of the Superior Vena Cava (normal diameter: 12-22 mm) ) was obtained using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Cardiac Index and Superior Vena Cava (SVC) were recorded simultaneously by experienced anesthesiologists with expertise and qualifications in TEE at five key time points: before surgical incision, start of the preanhepatic phase, start of the anhepatic phase, start of the postanhepatic phase, and after closure of the deep fascial layer of the anterior abdominal wall.

Time frame: From the time patients enter the operating room to leaving the operating room, up to 24 hours.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Liver Transplantation PatientsCorrelation of Cardiac Index (CI) and Minimum Diameter of Superior Vena Cava (SVC)12.8 mmStandard Deviation 3.1
p-value: 0.00298.3% CI: [0.05, 0.37]Repeated measures correlation (rmcorr)
Secondary

Correlation of Cardiac Index (CI) and Superior Vena Cava (SVC) Collapsibility Index

The Superior Vena Cava (SVC) Collapsibility Index is used to assess intravascular volume status and fluid responsiveness. The Superior Vena Cava (SVC) collapsibility index was obtained from (Maximum Diameter-Minimum Diameter)/(Maximum Diameter)\*100%. Central Venous Pressure (CVP) and SVC were recorded simultaneously by experienced anesthesiologists with expertise and qualifications in TEE at five key time points: before surgical incision, start of the preanhepatic phase, start of the anhepatic phase, start of the postanhepatic phase, and after closure of the deep fascial layer of the anterior abdominal wall. The interpretation of the SVC Collapsibility Index is categorized as follows: \< 20% indicates low collapsibility, suggesting adequate or high intravascular volume; 20-36% represents an indeterminate zone, requiring additional assessment to determine fluid responsiveness; and \> 36% reflects high collapsibility, suggesting hypovolemia or significant fluid deficit.

Time frame: From the time patients enter the operating room to leaving the operating room, up to 24 hours.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Liver Transplantation PatientsCorrelation of Cardiac Index (CI) and Superior Vena Cava (SVC) Collapsibility Index26 indexStandard Deviation 11
p-value: 0.29898.3% CI: [-0.1, 0.24]Repeated measures correlation (rmcorr)

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026