[Election of a venous approach. The internal jugular vein]

Due to the variety of venous routes and of techniques described, it may be difficult to choose most suitable one in every case. Authors found percutaneous internal jugular vein cannulation appropriate as alternative venous route for short-term routine use, and as a preferent one for long-term use or if central venous cannulation is necessary. They present their experience with this technique in 52 children from 7 days to 13 years old (3-36 kg). They achieved 44 cannulations (84,6%), with a greater success rate at right side (90,4%) than at left side (60%). As complications there were 4 carotid artery punctures (3,9% of the punctures) and one transient sinus bradycardia (0,9% of the punctures). They conclude that this technique is the one of choice for central venous cannulation.