Use of the right external jugular vein as the preferred access site when the right internal jugular vein is not usable.

PURPOSE: The present study describes the authors' experience with central venous access through the right external jugular vein (EJV) when the right internal jugular vein (IJV) is not available.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 23 patients in whom a central venous catheter placement was attempted via the right EJV was conducted. The reasons for catheterization via the right EJV included clinically silent occlusion of the right IJV (n = 17), localized skin infection overlying the right IJV related to a previous catheterization (n = 3), presence of an existing Hickman catheter in the right IJV (n = 1), and concern regarding the risk of catheter-related infection secondary to right IJV catheterization in patients with a tracheostomy tube device adjacent to the presumed site of right IJV catheterization (n = 2). Technical success, procedural complications, and follow-up results including catheter dwell time and delayed or late complications (eg, symptomatic venous thrombosis, catheter-related infection, and catheter malfunction) were assessed. Adverse events were expressed as events per 100 catheter-days of use.

RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 22 of 23 patients (96%). There were no procedural complications. The catheter dwell time ranged from 2 to 182 days, with a mean dwell time of 62.7 days. There were four delayed or late complications (three catheter-related infections, 0.22 per 100 catheter-days; one catheter malfunction, 0.07 per 100 catheter-days). No cases of symptomatic venous thrombosis were noted.

CONCLUSION: The right EJV is an acceptable and preferred access site when the right IJV is not available for central venous catheterization.