Intraoperative ultrasound evidence of accidental simultaneous cannulation of the common carotid artery and internal jugular vein: illustrative case.

Abstract

BACKGROUNDEstablishing central venous access is important to provide fluid resuscitation or medications intravenously to patients.OBSERVATIONSAlthough accidental cannulation of the internal carotid artery has been reported in the literature, to our knowledge this report is the first documented intraoperative ultrasound video demonstrating accidental and simultaneous common carotid artery and internal jugular cannulation during central line placement in the internal jugular vein.LESSONSUltrasound use minimizes accidental carotid cannulation during central line placement in the internal jugular vein. Carotid artery puncture can be managed by external application of pressure or surgical reexploration.