[Permanent central venous access in chronically-ill children]

15 patients aged 8 months to 18 years received implanted venous access catheters. Blood sampling and continuous infusions up to 52 days were performed via these devices. The systems were used for 18-166+ days and implanted for 18-635+ days. The complication rate was low and seems to be dependent on the experience of the caretaker. The systems are a valuable addition in the care of chronic sick children and offer new perspectives of therapy.