Optimal shoulder roll height for internal jugular venous cannulation: a study of awake adult volunteers.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the influence of shoulder roll height on internal jugular vein (IJV) diameter and IJV/common carotid artery (CCA) overlap.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
University-affiliated hospital.


METHODS
40 healthy participants.


METHODS
Ultrasonography to measure the effects of using shoulder rolls ranging between 0 and 5 cm high on IJV diameter, CCA diameter, and percentage overlap of the CCA.


RESULTS
The percentage overlap of CCA decreased for both left (LIJV) and right IJV (RIJV) with the use of higher shoulder rolls. Greater values were seen in depth from skin surface to anterior wall of left IJV in almost all stages, with the exception of Stages 0 and 1 (P < 0.016); and the use of a 5 cm shoulder roll resulted in a significantly decreased anteroposterior (AP) diameter of both RIJVs and LIJVs (both P < 0.008).


CONCLUSIONS
Shoulder rolls can reduce the overlap between the IJV and CCA, and may be useful in positioning patients for IJV puncture.
Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan, ROC.
Wen-Kuei
WK
Chang
Yu-Chieh
YC
Wang
Chien-Kun
CK
Ting
Hung-Wei
HW
Cheng
Kwok-Hon
KH
Chan
Pin-Tarng
PT
Chen
D000328:Adult; D017536:Carotid Artery, Common / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000379:methods*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D056888:Patient Positioning; D012782:Shoulder / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography; D055815:Young Adult