Objective To investigate the application value of pre-procedure ultrasound in the process of inter jugular venous catheterization among ICU residents. Methods A total of 12 ICU residents from the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University were involved into this study and divided into two groups: control group (n=6, 15 patients per resident and each patient was treated under inter jugular venous catheterization by the guide of traditional landmark)，ultrasound group (n=6, 15 patients per resident and each patient was treated under inter jugular venous catheterization by the guide of pre-procedure ultrasound). There were 180 patients involved in this study. Investigate and compare the baseline data and clinical characteristic of the two groups. The successful insertion rate, insertion time, first attempt successful cannulation rate, attending physician operation rate and the complication rate in both groups were compared. Results There was no statistically difference in baseline data and clinical characteristics, including age, gender, body index, APACHEII score, coaugulation function and difficult insertion factors, between two groups. The successful insertion rate and first attempt successful cannulation rate in ultrasound group were significantly higher than that in control group, 100% vs 92.22%, P<0.05； 87.78% vs 70.00%, P<0.05. Furthermore, the insertion time and attending physician operation rate in ultrasound group were remarkably lower than that in control group, 9.44±2.27 vs 10.56±4.03, P<0.05; 2.22% vs 12.22%, P<0.05. The complication rate (arterial puncture) in ultrasound group was significantly lower than control group, 3.33% vs 13.33%, P<0.05. There was no difference in other complication rate, including local hematoma, pneumothorax, and catheter related blood infection rate, between two groups. Conclusion These results indicated that, in comparision with traditional landmark guide method, application of pre-procedure ultrasound in the process of inter jugular venous catheterization among ICU residents, can significantly increase the successful insertion rate and first attempt successful cannulation rate, decrease the insertion time, attending physician operation rate and complication rate, which is superior to traditional landmark guide method. It suggested that, during the process of inter jugular venous catheterization among ICU residents, pre-procedure should be used as a routine guide method.