Optimal shoulder roll height for internal jugular venous cannulation: a study of awake adult volunteers ★

Study ObjectiveTo explore the influence of shoulder roll height on internal jugular vein (IJV) diameter and IJV/common carotid artery (CCA) overlap.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingUniversity-affiliated hospital.Patients40 healthy participants.MeasurementsUltrasonography to measure the effects of using shoulder rolls ranging between 0 and 5 cm high on IJV diameter, CCA diameter, and percentage overlap of the CCA.Main ResultsThe percentage overlap of CCA decreased for both left (LIJV) and right IJV (RIJV) with the use of higher shoulder rolls. Greater values were seen in depth from skin surface to anterior wall of left IJV in almost all stages, with the exception of Stages 0 and 1 (P < 0.016); and the use of a 5 cm shoulder roll resulted in a significantly decreased anteroposterior (AP) diameter of both RIJVs and LIJVs (both P < 0.008).ConclusionsShoulder rolls can reduce the overlap between the IJV and CCA, and may be useful in positioning patients for IJV puncture.