Ultrasound Assessment of Internal Jugular Vein for Cannulation and Venous Pressure Prediction

This prospective observational study aims to evaluate the diagnostic utility of vascular ultrasound for internal jugular vein (IJV) assessment in adult patients undergoing clinically indicated IJV cannulation. Traditionally, bedside clinical assessment of jugular venous pressure (JVP) is challenging and frequently imprecise in critically ill or obese individuals. This study investigates whether non-invasive ultrasound parameters, specifically IJV diameter, collapsibility index, and Doppler flow patterns, can reliably estimate central venous pressure (CVP) and identify elevated JVP. Participants admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department, or Operating Theatres who require right IJV catheterization will receive a standardized pre-procedural vascular ultrasound evaluation in a supine position (0-30° head elevation) prior to routine, ultrasound-guided cannulation. Ultrasound measurements will then be compared to direct central venous pressure readings to assess diagnostic accuracy and correlation.