Ultrasound-guided percutaneous brachiocephalic vein cannulation for ventriculoatrial shunt placement in a child.

OBJECTIVE As far as the ventriculoatrial shunt placement in children is concerned, the percutaneous approach to the internal jugular vein under ultrasonographic control has been hitherto strongly recommended. Unfortunately, children still represent a challenge, having them peculiar characteristics for which the internal jugular vein cannulation shows some disadvantages. METHODS In this manuscript, we describe a percutaneous placement of ventriculoatrial shunt via right brachiocephalic vein under intraoperative ultrasonographic control. CONCLUSIONS Brachiocephalic vein cannulation in surgery provides notable advantages in paediatric population and it may be considered as the first choice in younger children.