Ultrasound guided percutaneous catheterization of the brachiocephalic vein by small caliber catheter: An alternative to epicutaneo-caval catheter in newborn and premature infants

Background: Umbilical Venous Catheter (UVC) and Epicutaneo-Caval Catheters (ECC) are reference catheters in the neonatal period. However, many factors such as the corpulence of neonates, poor venous capital, and anatomical variants can complicate ECC insertion or make it impossible. In newborns with failed ECC insertion, we developed an hybrid technique that combines the insertion of a long-lasting silicone or polyurethane small caliber catheter, usually used as a ECC in newborns, with the ease and speed of ultrasound guided puncture of the brachiocephalic vein (BCV). Methods: Three years retrospective single center experience of ultrasound guided BCV insertion of silicon or polyurethane small caliber central catheter in a tertiary neonatal intensive care in case of insertion fail of ECC. Results: Twenty-one echo guided BCV-ECC insertions were performed in 20 newborns. Median age was 16 days (range: 0–110 days), median weight was 1700 g (range: 605–4960 g) at insertion. In most cases, insertion was on the left side (17/21). No failures were noted. Only one attempt was necessary in all cases. Insertion time, when noted, was always of <45 min. The median duration of use of these catheters was 11 days (range 3–35 days). No complication was noted during insertion or catheter use, including catheter-related infections and thrombosis. Conclusion: Echo guided percutaneous catheterization of the brachiocephalic vein with a long lasting silicone or polyurethane small caliber catheter is a safe alternative to the ECC if insertion has failed. However, it requires a mastery of ultrasound-guided insertion technique in term and premature neonates.