Detection of anatomical variation during left internal jugular vein cannulation under ultrasound: A case report.

RATIONALE: The left internal jugular vein has a higher possibility of anatomical variation than the right side. Therefore, the complication risk during cannulation is expected to be higher.

PATIENT CONCERNS: A 74-year-old woman was scheduled for elective surgery for left upper lobe wedge resection. We observed an anatomical abnormality at the location of the common carotid artery (CCA) and left internal jugular vein (IJV).

DIAGNOSIS: During the ultrasound, the left IJV was detected at the medial side of the CCA, and this anatomical variation was confirmed by color Doppler ultrasonography. Enhanced chest computed tomography showed that the left CCA ran across the left IJV from medial to lateral at the level of the clavicle.

INTERVENTION: A triple-lumen central venous catheter was inserted at the right IJV to avoid complications caused by the anatomical variation.

OUTCOMES: There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications.

LESSONS: Anesthesiologists should consider anatomical variation during central venous cannulation, especially with the left IJV approach. Because of anatomical variation, ultrasound-guided intervention is highly recommended to prevent procedure-related complications.