Background: Real-time ultrasound-guided catheterization of the internal jugular vein (IJV) is widely used for its safety and high success rate. However, it becomes difficult when the IJV’s cross-sectional area (CSA) is reduced. A reported technique applies manual pressure (with fingers) to the supraclavicular IJV to impede venous return and enlarge the distal CSA. While effective in previous studies, its clinical utility remains unclear, as those studies involved only healthy volunteers and used blind technique. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of our novel ultrasound-guided compression of the proximal IJV. Methods: In this prospective observational study, 25 hospitalized patients were included. Two ultrasound machines were used: one to visualize the CSA of the distal IJV, and the other to apply and guide compression of the supraclavicular IJV, ensuring real-time confirmation of venous occlusion. Patients were asked about pain during the compression procedure. The primary outcome was the degree of dilation at the puncture site of the IJV. Results: All 25 patients (mean Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score: 5.2±3.6) completed the study. Supraclavicular IJV compression resulted in a significant increase in the CSA of the distal IJV by approximately 150%, from 0.4±0.3 cm² to 1.0±0.3 cm² (P<0.001). No patient reported any pain during the procedure. Conclusions Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular IJV compression significantly increased the CSA of the distal IJV in hospitalized patients. This method enhances vein visibility by increasing IJV volume, potentially improving the success and safety of central venous catheterization.

PURPOSE: Lengthy hospitalization places a burden on patients and healthcare resources. However, the factors affecting the length of hospital stay (LHoS) and length of emergency room stay (LERS) in non-fatal bicycle accidents are currently unclear. We investigated these factors to inform efforts to minimize hospitalization. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of data from non-fatal injured bicyclists admitted to the Emergency and Critical Care Center at Kyoto Medical Center between January 2012 and December 2016. We measured LHoS, LERS, mechanism of injury, head injury prevalence, polytrauma, operations performed, injury severity score (ISS), abbreviated injury scale (AIS) score, maximum AIS score, and trauma and injury severity score probability of survival. We conducted multiple regression analysis to determine predictors of LHoS and LERS. RESULTS: Within the study period, 82 victims met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included. Mean age was (46.0 ± 24.7) years. Overall mean LHoS was (16.8 ± 25.2) days, mean LERS was (10.6 ± 14.7) days, median ISS was 9 (interquartile range (IQR): 3-16), median maximum AIS was 3 (IQR: 1-4), and median trauma and injury severity score probability of survival was 98.0% (IQR: 95.5%-99.6%). Age, maximum AIS, ISS, and prevalence of surgery were significantly greater in long LHoS and LERS group compared with short LHoS and LERS group (p < 0.05). Performance of surgery independently explained LHoS (p = 0.0003) and ISS independently explained LERS (p = 0.0009). CONCLUSION Surgery was associated with long hospital stays and ISS was associated with long emergency room stays. To improve the quality life of the bicyclists, preventive measures for reducing injury severity or avoiding injuries needing operation are required.