[Open approach to the subclavian vein for permanent cardiac stimulation]

In 97.5% of 562 successive attempts, puncture of the subclavian vein to introduce permanent pacemaker electrodes was made easier and safer by the incisional technique described in this report. The very low incidence (0.35%) of traumatic pneumothorax and the absence, after a long follow-up, of any infection or exteriorization of the pacemaker chamber were the main advantages of this technical variant.