Use of a breakaway vascular access device to preserve peripherally inserted central catheter integrity in a neonate

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in neonatal and paediatric patients are susceptible to unintentional dislodgement during routine care-giving activities, which may result in catheter complications such as tip migration or complete loss of vascular access. This case study describes the use of a breakaway device on a 27-day-old female infant's PICC line during antibiotic therapy for bacterial meningitis. Over a 26-day dwell period, three device separation events occurred during routine care-giving activities. In each instance, the device functioned as intended, automatically stopping fluid flow and activating pump alarms without disruption to catheter integrity or therapy delivery. No catheter migration, dressing disruption or other intravenous line complications were recorded across the admission. This case is the first reported instance showing the potential clinical value of breakaway device technology in minimising mechanical PICC complications in a vulnerable paediatric population.