Ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein cannulation.

N Engl J Med 2010;362:e57. Copyright © 2010 Massachusetts Medical Society. overview Traditionally, internal jugular vein cannulation has been performed with the use of external anatomical landmarks and palpation to guide insertion of the needle into the vessel. However, depending on the operator’s experience and the patient’s anatomy, this procedure may be difficult or unsuccessful. Over the past decade, the increased use of ultrasonography to guide internal jugular vein cannulation has improved success rates, reduced the time required to perform the procedure, and reduced complications.1-3