Surgically assisted trans-hepatic anterior approach for central venous catheter placement: safety and efficacy

We describe a child dependent on parenteral nutrition who developed loss of all conventional central venous catheter insertion sites coupled with very unusual collateralization due to extensive thrombosis of both the superior and inferior vena cava, including the azygos vein. We successfully achieved trans-hepatic anterior access to the infra-diaphragmatic vena cava. Since the success rate for this technique is low due to catheter dislodgement, the procedure was surgically assisted for increased safety and efficacy.