[Embolisms in punctures and catheterization of the subclavian veins in young children].

Observations of thrombic and tissue (skin, muscle) embolism of small branches of the pulmonary artery in two infants of 2 1/2 months suffering from acute respiratory viral diseases and a child of 3 1/2 years who died of scarlet fever are presented. Complications of this kind due to insufficient observations of the rules of puncture and catheterization of central veins, particularly in young infants, are not infrequent. In some cases, they may aggravate the course of the main disease.