Einstichstellen

Einstichstelle is a medical term referring to the site on the skin and underlying tissues where a needle, cannula, or other instrument punctures the body to gain access to a vessel or body cavity. The term is used across disciplines such as phlebotomy, anesthesia, radiology, and surgery and denotes the actual puncture point rather than the procedure itself. The choice of Einstichstelle depends on accessibility, patient condition, and the aim of the procedure. Common examples include venipuncture sites in the antecubital fossa or on the dorsum of the hand for blood draws and intravenous access, as well as puncture sites used for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, such as lumbar puncture in the lower back.

In many procedures, the Einstichstelle remains superficial but may involve deeper structures. For arterial or venous cannulation, the puncture point targets a suitable vein or artery. For diagnostic punctures, such as lumbar puncture, the site is selected to access the intended space while minimizing risk to surrounding tissues. The term is also used in radiology and surgery to describe puncture points for access or sampling.

Complications related to an Einstichstelle include bleeding, hematoma formation, infection, local inflammation, pain, and scarring. There is a potential, though uncommon, risk of nerve or nearby vessel injury. Adherence to sterile technique and proper handling reduce complication risk, and some procedures may require post-procedure pressure, dressing, or brief activity modifications.

In clinical documentation, Einstichstelle denotes the precise puncture location and is commonly translated as “puncture site” or “injection site” in English-language contexts.