Table of Contents
How do you Cannulate an external jugular vein?
Procedure
- Place patient in Trendelenburg position and rotate head to opposite side of cannulation.
- Position yourself at the head of the bed facing the patient.
- Clean skin with appropriate antiseptic.
- Use non-dominant thumb to provide counter-traction and index finger to tamponade EJV just superior to clavicle.
What is jugular vein cannulation?
External jugular vein cannulation is an integral part of modern medicine and is practiced in virtually every health care setting. Venous access allows sampling of blood, as well as administration of fluids, medications, parenteral nutrition, chemotherapy, and blood products.

Is EJ a central line?
External jugular vein (EJV) may be used as a central line, although it is preferred as a peripheral line since the vein is close to the surface of the skin. While using the external jugular vein for central venous access is associated with minimal complications, it has a relatively high failure rate.
How do you stick an EJ?
Turn head slightly away from side of EJ cannulation. Method: With the patient positioned properly, cleanse the site and use a finger to provide slight traction next to the vein to anchor it. Approach the vein at a 5-10 degrees angle, about midway between the angle of the jaw and the clavicle.

What is external jugular vein?
The external jugular vein, located in the anterior and lateral neck, receives blood from the deeper parts of the face as well as the scalp — the external jugular vein forms from the combination of the posterior auricular and retromandibular vein.
What is IJ line?
Central line placement is indicated in patients who need hemodynamic monitoring, rapid volume resuscitation, therapies such as vasopressors and vesicant or central parenteral nutrition infusions and in patients with difficult venous access.
Can a nurse place an EJ IV?
It is the position of the Infusion Nurses Society that a qualified licensed registered nurse, who is proficient in infusion therapy, may insert, care for, maintain, and remove external jugular peripherally inserted central catheters and external jugular peripheral intravenous catheters.
What is the function of external jugular?
The function of the external jugular vein is to drain blood from the superficial structures of the cranium and the deep portions of the face.
What are the branches of external jugular vein?
The external jugular vein (EJV) drains the head, face and part of the scapular region….Tributaries
- anterior jugular vein.
- posterior external jugular vein.
- suprascapular vein.
- transverse cervical vein.
What is IV in neck called?
A central venous line (CVL) is a special intravenous (IV) line. A CVL is a long, soft, thin, flexible tube that is inserted into a large vein. You might also hear a CVL called a central line or a central venous catheter.
How is external jugular vein cannulation used in modern medicine?
External jugular vein cannulation is an integral part of modern medicine and is practiced in virtually every health care setting. Venous access allows sampling of blood, as well as administration of fluids, medications, parenteral nutrition, chemotherapy, and blood products. [ 1]
How do you identify the external jugular vein?
Identify the external jugular vein a. The external jugular vein crosses the sternocleidomastoid muscle b. It can be identified when the child cries or by temporarily occluding the vein just above the clavicle with the tip of the long finger of the non-dominate hand.
How do you puncture a jugular vein in a child?
Restrain the child in a 30 degree head down (Trendelenberg) position with the head turned away from the side to be punctured a. The right side is preferred for access. In the young child place a small rolled under the shoulders and back, hyperextending the neck over it. 3. Identify the external jugular vein a.
Which side is preferred for access to the jugular vein?
The right side is preferred for access. In the young child place a small rolled under the shoulders and back, hyperextending the neck over it. 3. Identify the external jugular vein