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This study describes a modified Seldinger technique for 2- and 3-French peripherally inserted central venous catheters: A device similar to that used in heart catherisation with a standard micro-introducer serving as sheath and an arterial catheter serving as inner dilator was pushed forward over a wire guide that had before been inserted via a peripheral venous catheter. With this method 2-and 3-French catheters could be safely inserted into peripheral veins of 14 paediatric patients. In conclusion successful insertion of a small peripheral venous catheter offers in most cases a possibility for the placement of a central venous line.

Exchange transfusion using a peripheral artery and vein was carried out 18 times in 17 newborn infants. The arteries used to withdraw blood were the radial [13], the ulnar [3] and 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.