Subclavian vein puncture under ultrasonic guidance.

Ultrasonically guided subclavian venipuncture is described. Since this method permits direct tapping of the subclavian vein and control of the insertion to the innominate vein under ultrasonic guidance, complications such as pneumothorax, accidental subclavian artery puncture, and malposition of the catheter, which often accompany the conventional method, can be avoided. As a result, this technique produces no radiation damage.