Comparison of first attempt success rate of ultrasound- guided internal jugular vein cannulation in supine vs prone position: A prospective randomised controlled trial

A central venous catheter (CVC) is an indwelling vascular catheter with a tip that lies within the proximal third of the superior vena cava, the right atrium, or the inferior vena cava, used for major surgeries, CVP measurement and difficult peripheral venous cannulation. Usually CVC is inserted in supine position. In the setting of COVID pandemic, many patients falling ill with acute respiratory distress syndrome eventually require prone positioning for gas exchange. However, when a patient cannot tolerate supine position and the need for central venous access is urgent, catheter placement may be considered with the patient in prone position. Another instance where use of IJV cannulation in prone position comes into picture is in the Operating Room setting when the patient is in prone position and there is massive blood loss and patient needs urgent CVC placement. In this trial, the first attempt success rate (primary outcome) of IJV cannulation will be compared in supine versus prone position. Other outcomes like access time, guide wire insertion time, catheterization time, success and failure of IJV cannulation in both the positions will be assessed.