Abstract:

Internal jugular vein (IJV) is carrying more importance in the era of critical care for various life saving interventions. Cannulation of this vein is mainly carried out in developing countries by anatomical landmark guidance. Hence this study is aimed on the anatomical variations of IJV in cannulating position. This is a prospective study done in medical college hospital. Doppler ultrasound was done in cannulating position and the relation of IJV to common carotid artery was seen on both the sides of the neck. The anterior relationship of IJV to common carotid artery was considered dangerous relation and lateral or anterolateral was considered as safe relation. 86 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Mean age of the volunteers was 20.91 years. The safe relation of IJV to common carotid artery (lateral or anterolateral) on left side 80% and on the right side 74%. The dangerous relation (Anterior) of IJV to common carotid artery on left side 20% and on right side 26% which is statistically significant.( p<0.001). Hence this study concludes that significant numbers of volunteers are having dangerous relationship with common carotid artery which may end up in arterial puncture while cannulating the IJV with landmark guided approach.

Keywords: Internal jugular vein, Common carotid artery, Lesser supraclavicular fossa

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