Videos in Clinical Medicine

Ultrasound-Guided Internal Jugular Vein Cannulation

About the Procedure

Traditionally, when internal jugular vein cannulation has been performed, external anatomical landmarks and palpation have been used to guide insertion of the needle into the vessel. However, depending on the operator's experience and the patient's anatomy, this procedure may be difficult or unsuccessful. Over the past decade, the increased use of ultrasound to guide internal jugular vein cannulation has improved success rates, reduced the time required to perform the procedure, and resulted in fewer complications. This technique requires an understanding of the neck anatomy as well as skill in performing and interpreting the results . . . .