Percutaneously Inserted Polyurethane Central Catheters in the NICU: One Unit’s Experience

Abstract

This article describes the authors’ experiences with using polyurethane percutaneously inserted central catheters from June 1993, when these catheters were introduced in the NICU at Children’s Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, through September 1997. Indications for line placement and anatomy are reviewed. Patient demographics, success rates, and complications are analyzed. Line cares, including dressing changes, management of infusions, and troubleshooting, are also discussed.