A minimally invasive percutaneous technique for jugular vein catheterization in pigs.

The objective of this study was to develop a simple, safe, reproducible, and efficient technique that used readily available commercial materials for percutaneous catheterization of an external jugular vein in the pig. Guidewire-assisted vascular cannulation was introduced in the early 1950s and is often called the Seldinger technique, after its inventor. With few modifications, this technique has become widely used for all types of vascular cannulation in human and veterinary patients. The technique has the advantage of minimizing damage to soft tissues and blood vessels. We adapted this procedure by using five anatomical landmarks to target and catheterize the external jugular vein in pigs. Percutaneous catheterization of the external jugular vein can be accomplished easily in most pigs by using this technique. Novice technicians were able to quickly and easily learn the procedure.