Percutaneous cannulation of the internal jugular vein

Two simple techniques for central venous cannulation by percutaneous puncture of the right internal jugular vein are described. They have been employed routinely for the last six months in all patients requiring central venous cannulation. No serious complications or difficulties have been encountered in a series of two hundred cases. The method allows free movement of the limbs postoperatively and avoids the painful thrombotic sequelae associated with the use of superficial veins for long-term cannulation.