With much interest we read the paper written by Saugel et al. [1] on a systemic approach to ultrasound-guided central vein catheterization. The article is comprehensive but some issues need discussing. The authors claim that the tip of the needle can be constantly identified while the needle is approaching the vein both in short-axis and long-axis views. This is inaccurate. The only approach wh...

A new percutaneous infraclavicular approach for cannulating the axillary vein is described. The technique was devised using surface landmarks established by cadaver dissection. This is a relatively safe procedure with no risk of pneumothorax, provided that the tip of the needle remains inferior to the clavicle.

The anatomy of the basilic vein in the arm is described. Twenty-six arms from 13 cadavers were studied. A comparative analysis, which included the number of valves and measurement of the diameter of the basilic vein at three different points in the arm, was done. The basilic vein was always present and single. In its superficial segment, this vein was joined by the intermediate cubital vein in ...

BACKGROUND Pacemaker generators are routinely implanted in the anterior chest. However, where to place the generator may need to be considered from the mental, functional, and cosmetic standpoints. METHODS In this study, we performed the left axillary pacemaker generator implantation with a direct puncture of the left axillary vein in 40 consecutive patients, and evaluated the late safety and...