PERCUTANEOUS INTERNAL JUGULAR VEIN CATHETERIZATION Indications Emergency access to central venous circulation See Chapter 131 Ultrasound for discussion of ultrasound guidance The internal jugular vein is the preferred entry site when abdominal trauma with possible vena cava injury is present The main delay in early access to the internal jugular vein is the need to stabilize the airway or maintain protection of the cervical spine Complications Inadvertent arterial catheterization Expanding hematoma Arterial or venous laceration Infection Catheter or wire fragment in central circulation Pneumothorax, hemothorax Pneumomediastinum Cardiac trauma