Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

A Novel Non-invasive Method for the Detection of Elevated Intra-compartmental Pressures of the Leg
Published on: May 31, 2019
Non-invasive method for the rapid assessment of central venous pressure: description and validation by a single
Jeffrey Sankoff1, Arnold Zidulka
1University of Colorado School of Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery.
Objectives:
This study describes a means of assessing the external jugular venous pressure (JVP) as an indicator of normal or elevated central venous pressure (CVP).
Methods:
Intensive care unit patients having CVP monitoring were examined. With patients in bed, the external jugular vein (EJV) was occluded at the base of the neck and observed to distend. The occlusion was then removed and the vein observed for collapse. Complete collapse was hypothesized to indicate a non-elevated CVP (=8cm of water). In those patients whose EJV collapsed incompletely, the vein was then occluded with the finger near the angle of the jaw. With the occlusion maintained, the vein was milked downwards with the other hand to cause its emptying and was then observed for filling from below. Filling from below was hypothesized to indicate an elevated CVP (>8cm of water).
Results:
In 12 of the 40 patients examined, the EJV could not be assessed (EJV not seen at all: 5, and difficult to visualize: 7). For the remaining 28 patients 11 had a CVP > 8 cm, while 17 had a CVP patients, of = 8. EJV assessment was 100% accurate (95% Confidence Interval 88-100) in predicting whether or not a patient's CVP was greater or less than 8 cm of water.
Conclusion:
EJV assessment, when visible, is accurate to clinically assess a patient's CVP in the hands of the author. Further studies are needed to see if they are reproducible by other observer.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
Sites for measuring blood pressure
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Assessment of radial pulse
The radial pulse, located at the wrist, is often the preferred site for assessing peripheral pulse because of its accessibility and dependability. The process of determining the radial pulse involves several steps:

