Central venous cannulation in infants and children: a comparison of internal and external jugular vein approaches

Abstract

SummaryWe prospectively evaluated success rate and complications associated with 436 internal (IJ) and external (EJ) jugular approaches to central venous cannulation in 377 paediatric patients. Variables studied included the route of insertion, success rate, cannulation time, intraoperative and postoperative catheter‐related complications. The overall success rate and the frequency of complications were higher with the IJ than with the EJ approach. Cannulation with the EJ approach was more successful in older patients than in younger ones, making EJ a more attractive route for central venous cannulation in older children. While the inconsistent final position of the catheter tip makes EJ a less reliable technique for central venous pressure monitoring, it does not limit its usefulness for infusion of vasoactive drugs. If monitoring of filling pressures is desired, the IJ approach is a better choice, despite its higher risk of complications.