Internal Jugular Vein Cannulation; Anatomical Surface Markings Versus Ultrasound Guidance: A Case Report.

Abstract

Central venous cannulation is a common procedure in anaesthesia and intensive care which has traditionally been performed using anatomical surface landmarks. Recently, the use of ultrasound guidance was introduced and has been shown to be associated with better success rates and fewer complications. We report the case of a female patient scheduled for skin grafting of chronic Burulli ulcers who had a history of difficult peripheral vein cannulation. She had undergone numerous central venous cannulations and unsuccessful peripheral vein cut-downs in the past. On two separate occasions she had central venous catheters (CVCs) inserted in theatre using the surface landmark technique and ultrasound-guided technique. This paper describes these procedures and highlights the advantages of the ultrasound-guided technique over the external anatomical landmark technique in this patient.

Keywords: Central vein cannulation, ultra sound guidance