title: Percutaneous catheterisation of the axillary vein and proximal basilic vein.
abstract: Percutaneous catheterisation techniques for the axillary vein and proximal portion of the basilic vein based on venepuncture on a visible or palpable vein are described. Results are presented on 73 catheterisation attempts on axillary veins and 68 on proximal basilic veins, in which the failure rate was 4-9% and 6-9% respectively. The advantages of the techniques include simplicity and the absence of acute life-threatening complications. The incidence of phlebitis from indwelling catheters maintained for an average of 5 days (range 1-28 days) is less than 2%. Several aspects of the techniques including background anatomy and anticipated risks are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001367:Axillary Vein; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005542:Forearm / Q000098:blood supply; D006225:Hand / Q000098:blood supply; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011312:Pressure; D014680:Veins