Comparing Basilic and Cephalic Vein Approaches for Midline Catheter Placement in Children

This prospective randomized controlled trial aims to compare basilic vein and cephalic vein approaches for midline catheter placement in pediatric patients undergoing general anesthesia. Participants aged 2 to 17 years who require midline catheter insertion will be randomly assigned 1:1 to either the basilic vein group or the cephalic vein group. The primary outcome is the clinical blood sampling success rate during the catheter dwell period, defined as successful aspiration of ≥2 mL of blood through the midline catheter at least once without additional venipuncture. Secondary outcomes include operator-rated difficulty, number of puncture attempts, first attempt cannulation success rate, vein diameter and depth, catheter dwell time, catheter-related complications, and patient satisfaction. A total of 96 participants (48 per arm) will be enrolled at Seoul National University Children's Hospital.