Supraclavicular subclavian vein catheterization: modified landmarks for needle insertion.
OBJECTIVE
Identification of reliable landmarks for supraclavicular subclavian vein catheterization that requires no patient manipulation and is easily located.


METHODS
Thirty-five fresh human cadavers.


METHODS
Descriptive study of percutaneous guide wire placement into the subclavian vein using as a new landmark the junction of middle and medial thirds of the clavicle. The position of the guide wire was confirmed by palpation of the wire in the subclavian vein during autopsy.


RESULTS
Successful placement of a guide wire into the subclavian vein occurred in 33 of 35 cadavers (94%) using the new landmark.


CONCLUSIONS
The new landmark for supraclavicular subclavian vein catheterization is reliable, requires no patient manipulation, and is as successful as the standard landmarks.
MacDonnell
J E
JE
Division of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
Perez
H
H
Pitts
S R
SR
Zaki
S A
SA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002102:Cadaver; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013350:Subclavian Vein