Internal Jugular Vein Cross Sectional Area

Effect of Position on Cross Sectional Area of IJV

The Trendelenburg position is used to distend the central veins, improving both success and safety of vascular cannulation. The purpose of this study is to measure the cross-sectional area of the internal jugular vein (IJV) in three different positions, using surface ultrasound.

Inclusion Criteria:

• adult medical or surgical ICU patients who have preexisting central venous (jugular/subclavian only) catheters.

Exclusion Criteria:

• subjects with only a femoral venous catheter.
• subjects whose CVP measurement by the indwelling catheter exceeds 20cm of water.
• subjects younger than 18 years old.
• inability to obtain informed consent from the subject or the subjects authorized representative.