What is the name of the technique commonly used to insert a catheter?

The Seldinger technique is a widely recognized method for catheter insertion, particularly for vascular access. Developed by Dr. Johan Seldinger in the 1950s, this technique involves the puncture of a blood vessel with a puncture needle. Once the needle is successfully positioned within the vessel, a guide wire is threaded through the needle, allowing for the needle to be removed while keeping the guide wire in place. This minimizes trauma to the vessel and facilitates the passage of a catheter over the guide wire into the target location.

This technique's importance lies in its ability to securely establish vascular access with reduced complications, making it a fundamental skill in various medical fields, especially in cardiovascular perfusion, interventional radiology, and critical care. The Seldinger technique is favored because it enhances the safety and efficiency of catheter placement compared to older methods.