Reviving an Old Technique Forgotten:Insertion Central Venous Catheter by ExternalJugular Vein: Description of Technical andSeries of Cases

Abstract

Background: The insertion of the central venous catheter (CVC) is a widely used procedure in intensive care units (ICUs). However, the use of the external jugular vein (EJV) for central venous cannulation, has been relegated as the time goes by. The purpose of this study is to describe the technique used to implant the CVC via EJV, performing at the same time, a number of case reports, characterizing the early mechanical complications presented in intensive care patients, which required placing central venous catheter without the use of ultrasound. Methodology: Case series report, with a population of 70 critically ill patients who required insertion of CVC by EJV, describing the early mechanical complications from the procedure. Results: Out of the 70 CVC, 90% were successfully inserted, the main early mechanical complication was subcutaneous hematoma in the 7.93%, and bad position was observed in 22% of cases. Conclusions: Technique without pulmonary complications, with low rate of early mechanical complications, to be considered in critically ill patients.