A safer technique of internal jugular venipuncture: experience with 320 cases.

Placement of central venous catheters for monitoring or long-term access has become an indispensable surgical procedure. Various routes to establish central venous access have previously been described. The internal jugular vein can be cannulated percutaneously from several access points, using the clavicle and the sternocleidomastoid muscle as reference landmarks. An alternate method of internal jugular venipuncture using a previously undescribed point of entry is described. Experience with this modified technique in 320 cases where it was used for various purposes is reviewed. The incidence of complication was less than 1% and the improved safety of the procedure is attributed to the vertical direct method of venipuncture through the new access point.