Right atrial catheter insertion through the external jugular vein.

The external jugular vein may be used to place a right atrial catheter if the cephalic veins are not suitable for cannulation. Atrophy or sclerosis of the cephalic vein is seen in some patients with malnutrition or a malignant lesion. Some women patients also have cephalic veins of rather small caliber. In these patients, the insertion of the right atrial catheter, using the external jugular vein, may be warranted. The external jugular vein approach is recommended because of its easy accessibility and the lower risk involved than with the internal jugular or cephalic vein approach.