Deep, percutaneous antecubital venipuncture: an alternative to surgical cutdown.

In a 6 month period, I encountered 18 instances in which deep percutaneous venipuncture seemed appropriate. In every instance, venipuncture was successfully accomplished, avoiding a cutdown procedure, as well as obviating the need for central venous catheter placement. The ease of cannulation and the minimization of trauma to the patient make this technique a useful alternative to surgical venous cannulation.