SAFER SYSTEM FOR PERCUTANEOUS SUBCLAVIAN VENOUS CATHETERIZATION IN NEWBORN-INFANTS

Percutaneous infraclavicular cannulation of the subclavian vein in even the tiniest infants can be performed with safety and ease using a plastic cannual metal needle stylet and following plastic catheter. This route for achieving superior vena caval catheterization provides a most satisfactory method for central venous 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. © 1979 Grune & Stratton, Inc.