Abstract
We placed silicone rubber catheters in the subclavian veins of children by Seldinger's vascular puncture method for emergency blood purification. The size of the catheters was modified to be suitable for children. The vascular access was sufficient to purify their blood for a long period and was not associated with serious complications. When blood purification was not being performed, the catheter was connected to a portable microinfusion pump and heparin was infused continuously. Therefore the children were able to move quite freely, for the long period when the catheters were in place. Monitoring of the central venous pressure was also possible through this access route. Although some training is needed for the success of this vascular access, the technique will become more widely used for emergency vascular access for children.
