Central venous catheters in children and neonates (Part 2) – Access via the internal jugular vein

Central venous access via the internal jugular vein (IJV) is safe, relatively easy and very commonly used in infants and children undergoing cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease. Because of the wide range of anatomical variations an ultrasound-guided technique is advantageous in many cases, in particular in patients who have had previous punctures or those in whom difficulties are anticipated for various reasons. The right internal jugular vein is the preferred vein for central venous access as it offers straight access to the superior vena cava. The rate of complications - insertion-related as well as long term - are lower compared to the femoral and the subclavian access.