Needle insertion for central venous catheter placement using the supraclavicular approach

When using the supraclavicular approach for central venous catheter placement, it is important that the needle be oriented properly. It should lie 10 to 15 degrees below the coronal plane and oriented to bisect the angle between the clavicle and the sternocleidomastoid. The needle should not be inserted too deeply; the subclavian vein generally lies 1 to 1.5 cm deep to the insertion point.