[Measurement of central venous pressure at the jugular pulse wave]

Abstract

By measuring central venous pressure during physical examination one quickly obtains information about the patient's volume status and cardiac function. For such measurements to be reliable there must be a free communication between the jugular vein (usually the right external or internal) and the right atrium. Venous pulsations must be visible and the point of venous collapse has to be clearly identified. During measurement the flow of blood through the vein must be halted. The sternal angle of the second rib is used as reference point. It is recommendable to use an instrument rather than the eye to estimate venous pressure. Although several studies have been performed to validate the external measurement of venous pressure, most of these are methodologically unsound.