Modified anchoring maneuver using pilot puncture needle to facilitate internal jugular vein puncture for small...

Internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation in infants has been reported with varied success using surface landmark. The aim is to share authors experience of modified anchoring technique used in infants.

Anchoring maneuver using pilot needle (PN) has been recently described in adults. We have found that if the PN is left in IJV and then i.v. cannula (22G or 24G) is passed just posterior to the puncture point of PN to track down the PN path at 10-20 degree angles from skin, a natural tumbling movement of the PN helped to anchor anterior wall of IJV and facilitated its puncture. The results of 128 punctures performed in infants (<1 years) were analyzed in two groups of <6 months (n = 52) and >6 months to 1 year (n = 76).

In infants weighing 3.5-14 kg, all cannulations were performed successfully. IJV puncture was detected at the entry of i.v. cannula more often in both the groups (81% in <6 months baby and 84% in >6 months baby) than withdrawing it. In 12 (10%) patients, the puncture site was changed to left IJV as carotid artery was punctured in three and failure to localize right IJV in nine patients by surface landmark.

In authors experience, the described technique detected IJV cannulation at its entry in majority of infants and so the method is less prone to complications related to overshooting of the needle in lack of IJV puncture detection.