Why is the right internal jugular vein preferred?
This vein is large and superficial, easily visualized with ultrasound. It runs a straightline course towards the right atrium of the heart. This vein has the lowest risk of complication associated with insertion and subsequent usage. The left internal jugular vein is the second best. Why are portacaths implanted by Interventional Radiologists? Application of modern imaging guidance has made portacath insertion much safer and quicker. The patency of the vein is checked with ultrasound. The best site for puncture and the course of the tunnel are selected using ultrasound, avoiding other veins and arteries in the area. The actual puncture is performed under real-time ultrasound guidance, thus avoiding injury to the adjacent artery. Once the vein is punctured, a guide wire is inserted and its position is checked with X-ray. The length of catheter required is measured with X-ray. Finally the function of the portacath is checked by injection of X-ray dye. What are the risks of portacath inse
