[Surgical central venous catheterization (SCVC) for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via the basilic vein]

The central venous catheterization (CVC) by subclavian vein puncture for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) has a high risk of complications in some situations such as neck or supraclavicular diseases, tracheostomies, costoclavicular deformities and coagulopathies. Surgical CVC approach to the basilic vein is indicated in these cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of this technique. Sixteen patients had TPN with this technique, utilizing a silicon catheter (Vygon Nutricath). The main time of TPN was 19 days (min 5-max 41). In 12 cases (75%), there were no complications. In two cases (12.5%) we observed an accidental catheter displacement. The incidence of thrombophlebitis was 12.5% (2 cases); in one of two cases (6.25%), it was correlated with the contamination of the catheter (Staphylococcus epidermidis); in the second case it was aseptic. Our results demonstrated the usefulness of this of these technique in cases in where the CVC by subclavian vein presents a high risk of complications.