Basilic versus cephalic vein approaches for pediatric midline catheter placement
Comparing Basilic and Cephalic Vein Approaches for Midline Catheter Placement in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This trial will test whether using the basilic vein or the cephalic vein works better for placing a midline catheter in children aged 2–17 having general anesthesia.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 96 (estimated) |
| Ages | 2 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Seoul National University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Seoul, Soul-t'ukpyolsi) |
| Trial ID | NCT07509359 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will enroll 96 children aged 2–17 who need a midline catheter and will assign them 1:1 to catheter placement via the basilic or cephalic vein. The primary outcome is clinical blood sampling success during the catheter dwell period, defined as at least one aspiration of ≥2 mL of blood through the midline catheter without extra venipuncture. Secondary outcomes include operator-rated difficulty, number of puncture attempts, first-attempt cannulation success, vein diameter and depth, catheter dwell time, catheter-related complications, and patient satisfaction. The trial is single-center at Seoul National University Children's Hospital and procedures are performed under general anesthesia to standardize conditions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 2–17 undergoing general anesthesia who require midline catheter placement as judged by the attending anesthesiologist (for example, expected ≥2 postoperative blood draws, expected blood loss ≥40% estimated blood volume, continuous IV antibiotics, expected hospitalization ≥7 days, or surgical team request).
Not a fit: Children who need a central venous catheter, have coagulopathy, a history of severe thrombosis, or are otherwise excluded by investigators are unlikely to benefit from this comparison.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the preferred vein approach could increase reliable blood sampling through midline catheters and reduce additional needle sticks and related complications in hospitalized children.
How similar studies have performed: Some adult and device-focused studies have explored vein choice for catheter access with mixed results, but randomized data specifically comparing basilic versus cephalic approaches for pediatric midline placement are limited, making this comparison relatively novel in children.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 2-17 years undergoing general anesthesia * Midline catheter placement deemed necessary by attending anesthesiologist (≥1 of: expected ≥2 postop blood draws; expected blood loss ≥40% EBV; continuous antibiotic therapy; hospitalization ≥7 days; surgical team request) Exclusion Criteria: * Need for central venous catheter per surgical team * Coagulopathy * History of severe thrombosis * Other investigator-determined ineligibility
Where this trial is running
Seoul, Soul-t'ukpyolsi
- Hee-Soo Kim — Seoul, Soul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jung-Bin Park, MDPhD
- Email: psb3237@naver.com
- Phone: 220723664
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.