Central venous access via the internal jugular vein (IJV) is safe, relatively
easy and very commonly used in infants and children undergoing cardiac
surgery for congenital heart disease. Because of the wide range of anatomical
variations an ultrasound-guided technique is advantageous in many cases, in
particular in patients who have had previous punctures or those in whom
difficulties are anticipated for various reasons. The right internal jugular vein is
the preferred vein for central venous access as it offers straight access to the
superior vena cava. The rate of complications - insertion-related as well as
long term - are lower compared to the femoral and the subclavian access.peer-reviewe