Jugular central venous access in neonates and infants below one year of age: Experience in 114 cases

Abstract

Jugular venous catheter access is needed for chronic use in newborns and infants. Between 1st January 2004 to 31st December 2009, 114 venous catheters have been inserted in neonates and infants below the age of 1 year. Open technique was used in all cases. Details of indication, confirmation of placement, complications and difficulties in insertion were reported and analyzed. There were 82 neonates and 32 infants included in this study. The indications were: need for repeated venous access (71), gut failure (19), malignancy (17) and metabolic diseases (7). Operative difficulty was reported in 9 cases where we shift to left side due to anatomical abnormalities or thrombosis. Infection is the most common complication in 11 cases. Operative central venous catheter insertion is safe even in very small babies. Silicone type of catheter has more advantages than other types. The appropriate size for a definite indication is an important factor to minimize complications