Inferior vena cava catheterization in the neonate by the percutaneous femoral vein method

Placement of percutaneous femoral venous catheters in neonates is rarely performed for long-term central venous access. We studied 44 neonates (gestational age, 32.4 +/- 48 weeks, postnatal age, 18 +/- 32 days) with lack of other venous access sites. The femoral vein was entered with a 19-gauge introducer needle with placement of a 2F silastic catheter localized at the inferior vena cava-right atrial junction. Catheter-related sepsis, bacteremia, or thrombophlebitis did not occur in any patients. Our findings suggest that percutaneous femoral-vena cava catheters can be safely used when other nonfemoral sites are unavailable.