Abstract: Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of real time ultrasound-guided subclavian vein（SCV） puncture in central vein catheterization. Methods The successful rate of central vein catheterization,number of punctures,puncture time,and incidence of complications in 97 patients who underwent real time ultrasound-guided SCV puncture in central vein catheterization form September 2007 to December 2011 were analyzed. Results The successful rate of central vein catheterization was 100%,the number of punctures was 1-3（1.5±0.6）,and the puncture time was 15-30 min（19.2±5.5min）.The central vein catheter was inserted into the internal jugular vein in 2 patients（2%）,thrombosis occurred in 1 patient（1%） after catheterization,and infection developed in 10 patients（10%） 1-80（32.9±25.7）days after catheterization. Conclusion Real time ultrasound-guided SCV is an effective and safe procedure for central venous catheterization.