By placing the US (ultrasound) probe perpendicular to the skin at the level of the cricoid cartilage a cross-sectional view of the internal jugular vein (IJV) is obtained. The probe is then moved caudally following the IJV until the junction of the subclavian vein (SCV) and IJV is reached. After that the probe is tilted slightly medially and caudally until a good longitudinal view of the brachiocephalic vein (BCV) beginning at the junction of the IJV and SCV is obtained (BCV-Figure 1, see below).

 fig 1_BCV
22-gauge i.v. cannula (Abbocath) within the left BCV of a 3 kg infant. Small picture: Right-handed operator maneuvering the i.v.cannula without attached syringe with the right hand while holding the US probe in the left hand. CL, clavicle. Ultrasound image: BCV, brachiocephalic vein; FR, first rib; AscM, anterior scalene muscle.