Internal jugular central venous catheterization: a focus on the procedure

Central venous catheterization (CVC) is very common procedure in the emergency department and intensive care unit. Although patients undergoing CVC may have various indications and contraindications for this catheterization, the procedure is typically similar, regardless of the route. However, site-specific precautions also exist. This report describes the overall procedure for CVC with access by the internal jugular vein. Neurologic complications such as stroke and cranial air embolism, as well as mechanical complications such as hemopneumothorax and hematoma, can occur related to the internal jugular venous approach to CVC. Clinicians should be aware of these concerns for these patients population.