Retrograde catheterization of the right internal jugular vein for serial measurements of cerebral venous oxygen content.

Serial measurements of CBF and metabolism require multiple cerebral venous blood samples. Retrograde catheterization of the right internal jugular vein is easily performed at a point 2.5-3 cm lateral to, and 2 cm above, the medial end of the right clavicula. Complications are few and minor. In 1/80 (1.25%) cases the carotid artery was punctured during cannulation. Insertion of the catheter for 16-18 cm reduces contamination with extra-cerebral blood to a minimum.