Percutaneous insertion of silastic central venous catheters in newborn infants

Percutaneous insertion of a very narrow (0.635-nm outside diameter) Silastic catheter for delivery of central hyperalimentation was performed on infants in the Newborn Intensive Care Center. Insertion of the catheter into the external jugular or basilic vein was successful in 15/17 (88%) infants, including four weighing less than 1,000 gm. Catheters remained in place for 446 patient-days (mean 24.8 +/- 15.9 days). Culture-proven infection, thrombophlebitis, or caval obstruction did not occur. Percutaneously placed central Silastic catheters proved to be a safe and effective alternative to surgically placed catheters.