Percutaneous puncture of the axillary vein is a feasible and safe method for catheterizing the central venous space and right side of the heart.
Supports axillary vein access feasibility in experienced settings; leaves open need for controlled trials before wider adoption.
A comparatively simple method of catheterizing the “central venous space” and right side of the heart by percutaneous puncture of the axillary vein is described. The method has been attempted in 50 patients. It was successful in 45 cases. No significant complications have occurred in this small series.
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Spracklen et al. (1967) studied this question.
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