[Venous access routes for cardiac implantable electronic devices]

Various venous access routes in the region of the clavicle are available for cardiac device treatment. After many years of choosing access via the subclavian vein, current data explicitly show that lateral approaches such as preparation of the cephalic vein or puncture of the axillary vein are clearly superior in terms of probe durability and risk of complications. This article describes the preparation and performance of the various access techniques and is intended to provide a practical guide for the work in cardiac pacemaker operations. This work continues a series of articles designed for advanced training in specialized rhythmology.

[Ultrasound-targeted joint puncture in rheumatology]

Joint punctures not only have a long tradition but are also an essential component in the diagnostic differentiation of various joint diseases. In addition, therapeutic injections are an essential component of an individual targeted treatment strategy in a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)-based treat-to-target concept. This article aims to convey to the reader the ultrasound-targeted joint puncture techniques in text and with many video clips that can be downloaded. This article therefore steps away from the conventional two-dimensional demonstration of anatomy-oriented puncture techniques and elucidates the diagnostic and therapeutic potency of ultrasound-targeted techniques in the daily routine. Furthermore, special importance is given to a sterile working technique, puncture material and synovial analysis.