Exchange transfusion in newborns via a peripheral artery and vein.

Exchange transfusion using a peripheral artery and vein was carried out 18 times in 17 newborn infants. The arteries use to withdraw blood were the radial [13], the ulnar [3] an the posterior tibial [2]. Infusion of blood was carried out simultaneously through a peripheral vein. There was no mortality or morbidity directly associated with the procedure. We recommend this technique for exchange transfusion in general, and especially in the very ill newborn.