Central venous catheterization through the basilic vein or by infraclavicular puncture? A controlled trial.

Central venous catheterization through the basilic vein and by infraclavicular puncture of the subclavian vein was compared in a trial with random allocation to 125 candidate patients. The catheters were inserted via the two routes with roughly equal success rates. Subclavian catheters were maintained better for the period required than were basilic catheters. The infraclavicular puncture caused initial, and basilic catheterization, late complications. Consequently, infraclavicular puncture is preferable for long-term, and basilic catheterization for short-term, needs.