Percutaneous placement of permanent central venous catheters: experience with 200 catheters

The prospective registration of 200 percutaneous placements of permanent central venous catheters (Hickman catheters and subcutaneous infusion ports) was conducted in 172 patients aged 3 months-95 years. The insertions were reviewed to assess whether certain groups of patients or physicians were associated with more complications than others. Complications occurred in 16 patients (8.0%), of which 12 were arterial punctures. Two attempts (1%) at catheter placement failed. None of the complications required treatment. Of the catheter placements, 70% were performed by one of the three authors, and the rest by seven other experienced anesthesiologists. The complication rates were not different between the two groups. Nor was the complication rate significantly higher in small children. Percutaneous placement of permanent central venous catheters thus proved to be a safe and reliable technique, even in small children. The method is easily learnt by physicians experienced in central venous catheterization. Using this method, permanent venous access may be offered to a large number of patients.