Why the right internal jugular vein is preferred?
The vein is large and superficial, easily visualized with ultrasound. It runs a straight course towards the right atrium. This vein has the lowest risk of complication associated with insertion and subsequent usage. The left internal jugular vein is the second best. Why is a portacath implanted by interventional radiologist? Application of modern imaging technique 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 pucture is performed under real-time ultrasound guidance, thus avoiding injury to the adjacent artery. Once the vein is puctured, a guide wire is inserted and its position is checked under fluoroscopy (X-ray). The length of catheter required is measured with fluoroscopy. Finally the function of the portacath is checked by injection X-ray dye. What are the risks of portacath insert
