Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
A Protocol to Set Up Needle-Free Connector with Positive Displacement on Central Venous Catheter in Intensive Care Unit
Published on: July 13, 2019
Cost-effective central venous line for infants in the developing world
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Jordan University Hospital, PO Box 13546, Amman 11942, Jordan. mohomari@hotmail.com
Insights
Using recycled central venous catheters in infants is feasible and safe for short-term use. This cost-effective method shows comparable complication rates to new catheters in developing countries.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Pediatric Surgery
- Global Health
Background:
- Central venous catheters are essential for infant medical care.
- Developing countries face challenges with medical supply costs.
- Repurposing medical supplies can improve healthcare accessibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility, safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of using remnant central venous catheters in infants.
- To compare outcomes between repurposed and conventional catheters in a developing country context.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 96 neonates and infants requiring central venous access.
- Two groups were formed: short-to-medium term use with repurposed catheters (44 patients) and long-term use with conventional catheters (52 patients).
- Standard insertion techniques and postoperative care were applied, with complications meticulously recorded and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Successful treatment completion was observed in 72.7% of patients with repurposed catheters and 80.8% with conventional catheters.
- Complication rates for repurposed catheters included dislodgement (11.4%), thrombosis (6.8%), and infection (9.1%).
- Complication rates for conventional catheters included dislodgement (3.8%), thrombosis (7.7%), and infection (7.7%).
Conclusions:
- Repurposed central venous catheters are a feasible, cost-effective, and safe option for short- and medium-term use in selected infant patients.
- Complication rates associated with repurposed catheters are comparable to those of conventional catheters.
- This approach offers a viable solution for improving access to essential medical devices in resource-limited settings.
Introduction:
The aim of the study was to look into the feasibility, safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of utilising the remains of central venous catheters in infants from a developing country.
Methods:
Between June 2005 and December 2006, 96 neonates and infants with various illnesses and required the insertion of central venous access, were divided into two groups; those who required it for a short to medium term (44 patients) received a piece of the remains of catheters, and those who required conventional catheter insertion intended for long-term use (52 patients) received a regular catheter. The same principle of insertion was used as for regular central venous access. The external jugular vein was used when possible or the internal jugular vein was used otherwise. After appropriate insertion, the catheter was mounted on an appropriately-sized cannula. A three-way stopcock connection was used to minimise manipulation of the cannula. Postoperative care was the same as for routine central venous lines. Complications encountered in the two groups were recorded and analysed.
Results:
Of the short- and medium-term catheters, 32 out of 44 patients (72.7 percent) completed the intended course of treatment successfully, and of the long-term catheters, 42 out of 52 patients (80.8 percent) completed the treatment successfully. Recorded complications were dislodgement, thrombosis and infection. These were, in the short-term group, as follows: five (11.4 percent), three (6.8 percent) and four (9.1 percent), respectively; and for the long-term group, two (3.8 percent), four (7.7 percent) and four (7.7 percent), respectively.
Conclusion:
Utilisation of the remains of venous catheters in properly-selected patients for short- and medium-term treatment is feasible, cost-effective and safe, and the rates of complications are comparable to cases with conventional catheter insertion.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
01:29Drug Dosing: Infants and Children
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care