[A new way of access into the internal jugular vein]

Abstract

This paper describes a new technique for the canulation of the internal jugular vein. A transsection of the neck at the level of C4 (upper border of the thyroid cartilage) (Figure 1) shows the relative position of the internal jugular vein, the carotid artery and the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The internal jugular vein at this level is more superficial than is usually imagined. A cutaneous point of entry placed at the level of the thyroid cartilage on the medial border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle would be directly above, at the zenith of the carotid artery. From that point, moving a needle externally hugging the posterior aspect of the muscle will make it possible to reach the vein while actually moving away from the carotid artery.