Safe jugular and subclavian venipuncture under ultrasonographic guidance

Abstract

Although jugular and subclavian venipuncture is a valuable technique and frequently utilized, blind venipuncture is at times associated with complications such as arterial puncture, pneumothorax, and malpositioning of catheters. We performed venipuncture under the guidance of high-resolution real-time ultrasonography, and these catheter-related complications were prevented. Jugular, subclavian and innominate veins and arteries, the pleura, and the lung are all delineated by supraclavicular and subclavicular scanning, and the needle and catheter can also be visualized. Ultrasonographically-assisted jugular and subclavian venipuncture is a simple and helpful procedure to carry out safe venipuncture. This method is particularly recommended for less experienced physicians and for more accurate puncture in patients with distorted cervical or subclavicular anatomic characteristics.