Anatomical variation of the internal jugular vein and its impact on temporary haemodialysis vascular access: an ultrasonographic survey in uraemic patients

Creation of a reliable haemoaccess is a critical problem for practicing nephrologists once haemodialysis has been considered. A double-lumen internal jugular-vein catheter is favoured in most cases requiring temporary haemoaccess. However, numerous complications, even lethal ones, may occur with the cannulating procedure. Using ultrasound, we attempted to describe the occult anatomical variations of vessels which may be responsible for complications.