Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular subclavian vein catheterization: a novel approach in children

The subclavian vein (SCV) is often the preferred site for long-term central venous catheterization in children. It has many advantages over the internal jugular vein. But with the classical landmark technique for SCV catheterization the ultrasound-guidance technique is usually not suitable, because of the clavicle (a bright hyperechoic structure with an acoustic shadow beneath it). Because the SCV can easily be visualized via a supraclavicular approach, we developed a useful ultrasound-guided approach for SCV catheterization in infants and children.