[Our experiences during cannulation of the subclavian vein in children (author's transl)].

With 260 children under 12 years of age we tried to cannulate the subclavian vein during 3 years 455 times, and were successful 391 times (85.9%). 43.8% of the patients were younger than 1 year. The success rate correlated to the childrens' bodyweight and was less with lower weight of the patients. - In 68.8% of the cases we found the tip of the cannula in the upper caval vein, 19.9% were in the internal jugular vein, and 6.1% were in the opposite subclavian vein. - In this study participated 7 members of the staff and 8 specializing doctors; catheterizations per participant, mean = 30,2, SD 21,49, minimum 6, maximum 65. - Cannulas functioned for 5 +/- 2, max. 19 days. - The most serious complications were 2 pneumo- and one pneumo-hydrothorax, 2 times suspicion of thrombosis and 1 hemorrhage due to a not known hemophilia. None of the complications caused therapeutical problems.