Final answer:
The internal thoracic vein is the least used vein for central venous catheter placement in pediatric patients due to its smaller size, deeper location, and higher risk of complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the pediatric patient, central venous catheterization is a crucial procedure for administering medications, nutrients, and for monitoring central venous pressure. Various veins can be used for the placement of a central venous catheter, and the choice can depend on multiple factors including patient size, the purpose of the catheter, and clinician preference and experience.
The internal thoracic vein is least used for central venous catheter placement in the pediatric population. This vein is not commonly chosen because of its small size, deeper location, and the increased risk of complications associated with its use. In contrast, other veins such as the subclavian vein, axillary vein, and cephalic vein are more commonly used due to their larger size and more superficial location. The basilic vein and median cubital vein are also frequently accessed; in fact, the median cubital vein is often the choice for drawing venous blood due to its superficial location and ease of access.
Due to inherent risks of infection and complication with any central venous catheterization, the procedure must be executed with utmost care, following strict aseptic techniques. The World Health Organization highlights this importance, noting the significant number of catheter-related bloodstream infections annually.