Performance of percutaneous Silastic central venous feeding catheters in surgical neonates

In surgical neonates receiving total parenteral nutrition a prospective study was undertaken to assess the performance of fine-bore central venous Silastic catheters inserted percutaneously via a peripheral vein. During a 1-year period a total of 33 catheters was inserted into 28 neonates. The mean duration of catheter survival was 14.9∓8.0 (range 4–34) days. No complications occurred with 22/33 (66%) catheters which were removed when redundant. Although there were no long-term sequelae, 11 (33%) catheters was removed because of complications, the commonest being sepsis, which occurred in 5 (15%) patients. No septic complications were detected in the 13 patients having a catheter for 10 days or less. Catheters positioned in the great veins peripheral to the superior vena cava and right atrium proved to be safe and reliable in the short term.