Ultrasonographic comparison of two landmarks for the internal jugular vein: high versus conventional approach

Objective: We assessed and compared two landmarks (conventional vs. high approach) used in internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation with respect to the degree of overlap with the carotid artery (CA) and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the IJV using ultrasonography. Patients and methods: Forty-eight adult patients were included. Using ultrasonography, the percentage overlaps with the CA and the CSA of both IJVs were measured in the supine and Trendelenburg positions using conventional and high approaches. With the conventional approach, the IJV is penetrated at the apex of Sedillot’s triangle, formed by the clavicle and the sternal and clavicular heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The high approach involves the midpoint between the sternal notch and the mastoid process. Results: The degree of overlap with the CA was 30.5 (7.5–69.4)% [median (interquartile range)] and 0.0 (0.0–25.4)% with the conventional and high approaches, respectively, for the right IJV (P
Source: European Journal of Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research