Which vein is approved for venous access in infants?

The saphenous vein is considered an appropriate choice for venous access in infants due to its accessibility and the relative ease of locating it in this patient population. The saphenous vein is a superficial vein running along the inner aspect of the leg, which can be especially useful in infants who may have smaller vascular structures and less visible veins in the upper extremities.

The use of the saphenous vein can be beneficial in scenarios where upper extremity veins, such as the cephalic or median cubital veins, may be difficult to access due to the size of the veins or the condition of the infant. Additionally, utilizing the saphenous vein can reduce the risk of complications associated with accessing deeper veins, ensuring a safer procedure overall.

In practice, while the metacarpal vein, cephalic vein, and median cubital vein may also be used for venous access, they may not be as readily available or suitable in all cases involving infants. The choice of a saphenous vein for access helps ensure the effectiveness and safety of vascular interventions in this sensitive population.