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Anatomical variation of left internal jugular vein: clinical significance for an anaesthesiologist

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 April 2008

I. Asouhidou ,
K. Natsis ,
T. Asteri ,
P. Sountoulides ,
K. Vlasis  and
P. Tsikaras
I. Asouhidou*
Affiliation:
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Anatomy, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, G. Papanikolaou Hospital Exohi, Department of Cardioanaesthesiology, Thessaloniki, Greece
K. Natsis
Affiliation:
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Anatomy, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
T. Asteri
Affiliation:
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, G. Papanikolaou Hospital Exohi, Department of Cardioanaesthesiology, Thessaloniki, Greece
P. Sountoulides
Affiliation:
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Anatomy, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
K. Vlasis
Affiliation:
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Anatomy, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
P. Tsikaras
Affiliation:
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Anatomy, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
*
Correspondence to: Irene Asouhidou, Department of Cardioanaesthesiology, G. Papanikolaou Hospital Exohi, 15-17 Agiou Evgeniou street, Kalamaria 55133, Thessaloniki, Greece. E-mail: petro-s@otenet.gr; Tel: +30 23104 52560; Fax: +30 23102 50608
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Summary

Background and objectives

Cannulation of a central vein is an everyday procedure in anaesthesiology. However, anatomical variations of the size and/or location of the internal jugular vein might prevent cannulation, while repeated efforts might lead to severe complications. The aim of this retrospective study was to explore anatomical abnormalities of the internal jugular vein with regard to diameter of the vein’s lumen and to define their clinical significance.

Methods

The cervical regions of 93 cadavers, 186 sides in total, were dissected and the anatomical variations of internal jugular vein diameters in relation to the external jugular vein and to the common carotid artery were recorded and photographed.

Results

The diameter of the veins in three cases were less than 6 mm, while ipsilateral external jugular veins were larger than average (3/93).

Conclusions

Anatomical variations of the internal jugular veins are clinically significant, especially in cases where venous access is important.

Keywords

ANATOMYVEINS, internal jugular
Type
Original Article
Information
European Journal of Anaesthesiology , Volume 25 , Issue 4 , April 2008 , pp. 314 - 318
Copyright
Copyright © European Society of Anaesthesiology 2008

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