Experience in a new percutaneous approach to the axillary vein for central venous catheterization

ABSTRACT

The new infraclavicular approach to the axillary vein was tried in 60 patients scheduled for central venous catheterization. It was successful in 55 patients. There was a low incidence of complications Catheter malposition [6.7%], arterial puncture [5%], transient parasthesia [5%] and hematoma [1.6%]. Apart from difficulty in locating the vein in markedly obese patients, the results of this study confirmed the reliability, safety and effectiveness of this approach: