The Medial-Transverse Approach for Internal Jugular Vein Cannulation: An Example of Lateral Thinking

BACKGROUND: Cannulation of the internal jugular vein (IJV) is traditionally performed using the central-longitudinal approach. Pneumothorax, carotid artery puncture, and failure to cannulate are uncommon, but by no means rare, complications. Ultrasound (US) guidance for IJV cannulation has reduced but not eliminated such complications. TECHNIQUE: We herein introduce a new approach, coined the "medial-transverse approach" due to the …