Lateral oblique approach for internal jugular vein catheterization: Randomized comparison of oblique and short-axis view of ultrasound-guided technique

Objective: The lateral oblique approach is a novel needle-in-plane technique for ultrasound-guided catheterization of the internal jugular vein. In this study, we aimed to compare the oblique approach with the classical short-axis technique for facilitating the procedure and reduction of mechanical complications.

Methods: This research was planned as a prospective study. Eighty-four open-heart surgery patients requiring a central venous catheter were randomly allocated into two groups: Oblique approach group (n=42) and short-axis group (n=42). Time to cannulate, the number of necessary puncture attempts, and frequency of carotid artery puncture, hematoma, puncture site bleeding, pneumothorax, and hemothorax in each group were recorded. Visualization of the vein and the needle using ultrasound were also evaluated by a subjective scale.

Results: The patient's characteristics were comparable between the two groups. The mean time of catheterization was 52.00±70.18 seconds in the oblique approach group and 40.76±49.30 seconds in short-axis group. The mean number of needle puncture attempts was 1.21±0.61 in oblique approach and 1.12±0.50 in short-axis group. The results did not differ significantly. There was an improved visualization of the needle in the oblique approach group, but this was not proved as statistically significant.

Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that the lateral oblique approach is a safe and effective technique, which can be a strong alternative to the classical short-axis technique for ultrasound-guided catheterization of the internal jugular vein.