[Puncture of central veins venesection in childhood (author's transl)]

Due to advances in parenteral feeding the indications for creating access to the central veins in infants and young children have become less strict. The technique of establishing such access by puncture of the internal jugular or subclavian vein is reviewed. Venesection is now indicated only in exceptional cases. The technique of placing a catheter into the umbilical artery or vein is described.