A Comparative Study of Right and Left Internal Jugular Vein Cannulation Using Ultrasound Guidance

Background: Internal jugular vein is the most common site for central venous cannulation. Ultrasound guided internal jugular vein cannulation has been common approach for central venous cannulation. This is mainly due to easier visualisation, high success rate and fewer complications noted by use of ultrasound when compared to landmark approach. Aims and Objectives: The main aim of the study was to compare the successful cannulation between the right and left internal jugular vein using ultrasound guidance. Objective of our study was to compare the time taken, number of attempts and incidence of complication of internal jugular vein cannulation between right and left using ultrasound guidance. Methodology: Study was a comparative study conducted in Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed medical college and hospital. Ethical committee approval for this study was taken from the institute. 60 patients of either sex, between age of 18 to 80 years, ASA 1,2,3, mechanical ventilated or sedated patients admitted in ICU were enrolled in this study. The patient was randomly allocated into two groups. Group A (n=30) receives right internal jugular vein cannulation while group B(n=30) receives left internal jugular vein cannulation under ultrasound guidance. Result: The study found that first attempt success rate was significantly higher for group A (90%) than group B (56%) (P=0.01). Group A achieved faster cannulation time (mean 45 sec) than group B (mean 75sec), P<0.01) with few attempts. The incidence of complications was significantly higher for group B compared to group A (P <0.05). Conclusion: It was found that under ultrasound guidance right internal jugular vein cannulation appears to be more successful approach for central venous access because of faster cannulation time, fewer attempts, lesser complication rates and better anatomical visualisation than left internal jugular vein cannulation.