[Ultrasound-guided puncture of the jugular vein using a posterior approach].
BACKGROUND
Ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization provides a direct view of anatomical structures, making it easier to determine the exact puncture site, thereby reducing the associated mechanical complications.


METHODS
This study included patients scheduled for central venous catheterization. An ultrasound examination was performed on the necks of all patients before the right internal jugular vein was catheterized by a single operator using ultrasound monitoring.


RESULTS
We studied 21 men and 14 women; the mean (SD) age of the patients was 53 (17) years. Forty percent were kidney transplant recipients and 57% had had the right internal jugular vein catheterized on other occasions. The carotid artery had accidentally been punctured using the standard catheterization technique in 4 of the patients; the internal jugular vein was then catheterized successfully using ultrasound-guidance, which clearly showed the hematoma caused by the carotid puncture. The right internal jugular vein was successfully catheterized in 34 patients; it was necessary to catheterize the left jugular vein in 1 patient as the ultrasound examination revealed thrombosis of the right vein. A single puncture was performed in all cases and none of the complications associated with venous puncture were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasound images allowed us to effectively examine the jugular vein prior to puncture for central venous catheterization. Ultrasound-guided puncture of the vein was satisfactory and free from complications in all cases.
Pérez Reyes
J M
JM
Servicio de Anestesiología y Reanimación, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, La Laguna, Tenerife.
Bethencourt Muñoz
S
S
Cabrejas Ibarz
M T
MT
Tejero García
M
M
Valdivia Martín
J
J
González Miranda
F
F
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020212:Carotid Artery Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011677:Punctures / Q000009:adverse effects; D012494:Sampling Studies; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional; D055815:Young Adult