Evaluation of a Novel Bony Landmark-Based Method for Teaching Percutaneous Insertion of Subclavian Venous Catheters in Pediatric Patients.

Background: Surgical trainees performing subclavian vein (SCV) cannulation often incorrectly perceive needle trajectory and anatomical relations. As surface landmark-based methods derived from adult surgical practice may be less effective in younger patients, we developed and evaluated a novel bony landmark-based method for teaching SCV cannulation for central venous access device (CVAD) placement in children.

Methods: Over 2 sequential 3-year periods, pediatric surgical trainees were taught infraclavicular SCV cannulation via surface- and bony-landmark approaches, respectively.