Effect of head pillow and shoulder roll on diameter of the right internal jugular vein

Abstract

Background: Right internal jugular vein (RIJV) is the most commonly used site for central venous cannulation. Ultrasound guidance has increased success rate and reduced complications of central venous cannulation. The main aim before cannulation is to increase the size of the vein by optimal positioning. We used ultrasound to assess changes in right internal jugular diameter with use of a head pillow and shoulder roll and their effect on the degree of overlap between RIJV and carotid. Methodology: 106 patients were recruited in the study. After intubation the patients were placed in the following 3 positions (i) P1 -without head pillow or shoulder roll, (ii) P2 - with head pillow and (iii) P3- with shoulder roll. All measurements were made in 15 degree Trendelenberg tilt and head turned to the left by 30 degree. The following measurements were recorded in all 3 positions. (a) Transverse and Antero-Posterior diameter of the RIJV. (b) Transverse diameter of the right carotid. (c) Overlap between RIJV and carotid. Results: In our study the mean transverse diameter of RIJV was 1.87cm in P1 and P2 and 1.72 cm in P3respectively. The mean antero-posterior diameter was 1.39cm, 1.37cm and 1.13 cm in P1, P2 and P3 respectively. The increase in diameter in P1 was statistically significant (P Conclusion: We conclude that placing the patient supine in 15 degree Trendelenberg tilt and a30 degree head rotation to the opposite side with or without use of a head pillow would lead to greater chance of first pass success during R IJV cannulation as the diameter was found to be maximum in this position. We do not recommend use of a shoulder roll as there was significant reduction in diameter though the overlap between RIJV and carotid was found to be minimal. Use of ultrasound and proper positioning of the patient will reduce the possible catastrophic complications associated with RIJV cannulation.