ABSTRACT
Placement of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is commonplace in infants and children for the infusion of medications, hydration, and nutritional solutions. Vein depletion caused by repeated and prolonged need for vascular access devices has forced practitioners to consider alternate veins for providing care. The external jugular vein has a positive history of use for insertion of the PICC and is becoming increasing popular for this purpose. Pertinent anatomy, patient selection criteria, preparation, and catheter insertion and maintenance processes related to the catheter placed and residing in the external jugular vein are discussed.