[Percutaneous venous catheterization with contraincision in low birth weight newborns]

Twenty five newborns weighting less than 1501 g were followed after electively installing a percutaneous catheter with subcutaneous tunneling; they were used for parenteral nutrition through the basilic, cephalic or external jugular veins, lasting an average of 10.3 +/- 2.08 days. Complications encountered were obstruction, accidental extraction, edema and phlebitis. There were no complications at the puncture site or subcutaneous tunnel. The arms were the first choice site of installation and were occluded with sterile gauze and adhesive tape in a bracelet form. We concluded that this technique is an appropriate alternative for parenteral nutrition in the low birth weight newborn.