Intra-atrial malpositions of Silastic catheters in newborns

The intra-atrial position of Silastic catheters placed in the center of the right atrium was assessed by two-dimensional echocardiography in 25 newborns. In 32% of the infants, the catheter tip was located in the patent foramen ovale, and in another 40% of the infants, the catheter tip was located close to the patent foramen ovale. This placement increases the risk of systemic air and fat embolism. Consequently, the tip of Silastic catheters should be placed just behind the confluence of the superior-inferior vena cava and the right atrium.