The para-carotid approach for internal jugular catheterization.

We have developed a para-carotid approach for internal jugular cannulation which utilizes only the carotid artery as a landmark. This technique allows us to locate-the puncture site regardless of an individual patient's physical, skeletal or postural variations. This study was undertaken in the period from January 1979 to June 1980 on 456 consecutive patients in wide range of age groups and various clinical conditions. The overall success rate was 96.1%. The only complications encountered during our study were five carotid artery punctures with formation of two haematomas.