Subclavian vein catheterization in critically ill children: Analysis of 322 cannulations

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Abstract
Complications in 322 percutaneous subclavian vein catheters placed in 272 children by the infraclavicular approach were investigated prospectively. Ages ranged from 4 days to 15 years. Incidents during catheter introduction occurred in 13 cases, and were more common when insertion was on the right side (ppStaph. epidermidis was the organism most frequently isolated (19 cases; 58%). Catheterization time of more than 5 days and catheter-related sepsis were statistically associated (pStaph. epidermidis isolation and duration of cannula use were statistically related (p<0.01). No catheter-related deaths occurred. We conclude that subclavian vein catheterization is a simple and useful procedure that entails relatively few serious complications when performed by experienced pediatricians.