This study describes a modified Seldinger technique for 2- and 3-French peripherally inserted central venous catheters: A device similar to that used in heart catherisation with a standard micro-introducer serving as sheath and an arterial catheter serving as inner dilator was pushed forward over a wire guide that had before been inserted via a peripheral venous catheter. With this method 2-and 3-French catheters could be safely inserted into peripheral veins of 14 paediatric patients. In conclusion successful insertion of a small peripheral venous catheter offers in most cases a possibility for the placement of a central venous line.