[Compression of the trachea by a hematoma caused by an internal jugular vein catheter]

In a patient with thrombocytopenia, respiratory obstruction because of a hematoma occurred following internal jugular vein cannulation. This patient recovered completely after surgical intervention. With the following precautions in mind, puncture of the internal jugular vein in patients with coagulopathies has a high success rate and does not result in severe complications: Internal jugular vein cannulation by an experienced physician; optimal conditions for puncture by increasing venous pressure and diameter with slight Trendelenburg position and Valsalva maneuver in patients with spontaneous breathing, or positive end-expiratory pressure in patients with artificial ventilation; catheter insertion by the Seldinger technique; manual compression of the puncture site for 10-15 min; and vein puncture with ultrasonographic aid if possible.