Podcast 999: Right vs Left Internal Jugular Access

Podcast 999: Right vs Left Internal Jugular Access

From Emergency Medical Minute by Emergency Medical Minute

March 23, 2026 · 3 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the use of right versus left internal jugular access for central venous catheterization and its implications in critical care.

Contributor: Travis Barlock, MD Educational Pearls: What is an internal jugular catheter (IJ) and when do we use it? IJs are catheters that can be placed in either the left or the right internal jugular vein to provide central venous catheter (CVC) access. CVCs can be placed in other locations other than the internal jugular vein (i.e. subclavian vein or femoral veins). IJs are used when the patient may require long-term venous access or have to receive hyperosmolar solutions (such as solutions with high glucose content for parenteral nutrition); solutions with extreme pHs ( 9); or vesicant drugs (drugs that can cause tissue necrosis with extravasation). They are not to be confused with EJs (external jugular vein catheters) which can be placed in difficult to peripherally catheterize patients. EJs function similarly to a peripheral IV. The advantage of IJs is their location in larger veins brings them closer to direct access to the heart (i.e. the right internal jugular vein will provide immediate/quicker access to the right atrium to the heart.) What are concerns of using a right internal jugular catheter versus one in the left? The right internal jugular vein provides quick…

People in this episode

Guest: Travis Barlock, MD

Topics covered

  • internal jugular catheter
  • central venous access
  • critical care
  • venous access
  • medical procedures

Keywords

  • internal jugular vein
  • central venous catheter
  • CVC
  • hyperosmolar solutions
  • vasopressor support
  • hemodialysis
  • ECMO

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