A safer system for percutaneous subclavian venous catheterization in newborn infants

J Pediatr Surg. 1979 Oct;14(5):564-70. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3468(79)80141-4.

Abstract

Percutaneous infraclavicular cannulation of the subclavian vein in even the tiniest infants can be performed with safety and ease using a plastic cannula metal needle stylet and following plastic catheter. This route for achieving superior vena caval catheterization provides a most satisfactory method for central pressure monitoring, long term antibiotic administration, total parenteral nutrition, and exchange transfusion. Few serious complications have been noted in over a hundred infant cannulations. The procedure can be performed in the intensive care nursery with a success rate of over 95%. Sepsis rates in clean cases are acceptably low. Most sepsis is due to other clearly identifiable sources of infection in these already critically ill infants.

MeSH terms

  • Catheterization / adverse effects
  • Catheterization / methods*
  • Central Venous Pressure
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases*
  • Needles
  • Parenteral Nutrition, Total
  • Sepsis / etiology
  • Subclavian Vein*