Evaluation of a Percutaneously Placed 27-Gauge Central Venous Catheter in Neonates Weighing <1200 Grams

ABSTRACT. A percutaneous 27-gauge OD central venous catheter was inserted at 4 ± 3 (SD) days of age and left in place for up to 2 weeks in 20 neonates with birth weights <1200 g and>24 h of age. Parenteral nutritional solutions and medi-cations were administered through these catheters. Twenty neonates matched for birth weight and gestational age served as paired controls. In vitro studies demonstrate that the maximum infusion rate for parenteral nutrition solutions is about 20 ml/hr. Packed red blood cells could not be infused through these catheters. In vivo results demonstrate a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in num-ber of peripheral iv catheters inserted during study (2 ± 1 us 7 ± 4, SD) with no difference in cost per day of iv access ($79.42 ± 113.51 vs $43.91 ± 15.99. SD). Two-dimensional ultrasound assessment of catheter thrombosis was unsuccessful. Moreover