Trendelenburg position does not increase cross-sectional area of the internal jugular vein predictably.

Background: The Trendelenburg position is used to distend the central veins, improving both the success and safety of vascular cannulation. The purpose of this study was to measure the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the internal jugular vein (IJV) in three different positions using surface ultrasonography.

Methods: Fifty-one subjects were enrolled.