Subclavian venous catheterization in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Medicine
• Vascular Access
• Interventional Procedures

Background:

• Subclavian vein catheterization is a common procedure for vascular access in pediatric patients.
• The safety and efficacy in very young children require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the success rate and complication profile of infraclavicular subclavian catheterization in children.
• To determine if there are age or size limitations for this procedure in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 77 infraclavicular subclavian catheterizations in 54 children over 12 months.
• Utilized the Seldinger technique, with general anesthesia in most cases.

Main Results:

• Successful catheterization in 96% of cases (74 out of 77 attempts).
• Initial catheter tip position was satisfactory in 81% of cases.
• Catheters remained in situ for a median of 7 days with few complications.

Conclusions:

• Infraclavicular subclavian catheterization is highly successful and safe in children of all ages, including newborns.
• Extensive experience in adult subclavian venous cannulation suggests no minimal age or size restriction for pediatric use.