Two approaches to cannulation of a child's internal jugular vein

Abstract

The morbidity associated with the low approach is significant in its clinical import. When central venous cannulation in children is attempted by use of the high approach on the right side, a sucess rate of more than 80% can be expected. A second attempt on the left (when hematoma did not occur following a failed right-sided attempt) would probably result in a still higher percentage of successful placement. The complications associated with the high approach in this study were of minor clinical significance, and similar to those in previous reports.