Percutaneous sheath cardiac catheterization

The feasibility and safety of percutaneous venous and arterial catheterization in infants and children was investigated prospectively from July 1, 1970 to July 1, 1971. Femoral vessel catheterization using an indwelling sheath was performed in 565 of 582 consecutive procedures attempted. The percutaneous technique was unsuccessful and a venous cutdown procedure required in 17 patients, a failure rate of 3 percent. Prior percutaneous procedures had been performed in 71 patients and, in most instances, the same vessels were used for the repeat catheterizations.