Journal of nephrology
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Journal of nephrology · Aug 2018
Anatomical variations of the left anonymous trunk are associated with central venous catheter dysfunction.
Internal jugular vein cannulation has become increasingly widespread. Compared to the left internal jugular vein (LIJV), the right internal jugular vein (RIJV) is the preferred choice for the placement of central venous catheter (CVC) for hemodialysis, mostly due to the major technical difficulties and higher rate of complications of the LIJV approach. We aimed to investigate whether variability in the direction of the LIJV/brachiocephalic vein (BV) axis on the frontal plane could be a decisive factor in determining CVC dysfunctions. ⋯ The anatomical clarification presented in our study provides useful data that could explain the dysfunction rate of CVC inserted in the LIJV. Clinicians who insert high-flow catheters (such as hemodialysis catheters) should be aware of LIJV/BV axis variability and of the possible risks of CVC dysfunction when the angle between the LIJV and ipsilateral BV is ≤ 110°.