The utilization of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs) has grown to become a common practice in neonatal care. Proper placement of the catheter in the superior vena cava (SVC) is essential to support safe delivery of care and minimize complications. This article describes three cases of patients whose catheters were malpositioned on initial placement or while in situ, that were successfully guided to appropriate tip location in the superior vena cava by implementing a combination of non-invasive catheter repositioning techniques.
Pediatrix Medical Group, Wellington, Florida. elsharpe@bellsouth.net
Adv Neonatal Care. 2010 Jun 1; 10 (3): 129-32.
AbstractThe utilization of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs) has grown to become a common practice in neonatal care. Proper placement of the catheter in the superior vena cava (SVC) is essential to support safe delivery of care and minimize complications. This article describes three cases of patients whose catheters were malpositioned on initial placement or while in situ, that were successfully guided to appropriate tip location in the superior vena cava by implementing a combination of non-invasive catheter repositioning techniques.