Optimal insertion lengths of right and left internal jugular central venous catheters in children

Background: Knowledge of the optimal lengths for central venous catheterization prior to the procedure may lessen the need for repositioning and prevent vascular complications. Objective: To establish the optimal lengths for non-tunneled central venous catheter insertion through the right and left internal jugular veins. Materials and methods: We included 92 children who received US-guided central venous catheterization via right or left internal jugular veins in intensive care units. The calculated distance between the skin and carina was considered the optimal length for right and left internal jugular venous catheterization. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses was used to identify predictors. Results: Age, height and weight showed significant correlations with optimal insertion lengths for right and left internal jugular vein approaches on univariate analysis, while height was the only significant independent predictor of optimal insertion length. Conclusion: The optimal insertion lengths (cm) suggested by our data are, for the right internal jugular vein 0.034 × height (cm) + 3.173, and for the left 0.072 × height (cm) + 2.113.