Chinese Med J Peking
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Chinese Med J Peking · Nov 2010
Anatomic relationship of the internal jugular vein and the common carotid artery in Chinese people.
Variations in position and relationship between the internal jugular vein (IJV) and the common carotid artery (CCA) may lead to inadvertent artery puncture which could be disastrous during central venous access. We demonstrated the anatomic relationship of the IJV with CCA in order to find the optimal site and avoid damage of CCA. ⋯ There are variations in the position and relationship between the IJV and CCA. It is relatively more difficult to puncture at the left side of the neck, at a lower position or in elderly patients. On the contrary, it is relatively easier to puncture at the right side, at the level of the cricoid cartilage or in younger patients.