PAPS PapersThe changing profile of safe techniques for the insertion of a central venous catheter in pediatric patients - improvement in the outcome with the experiences of 500 insertions in a single institution

BackgroundThe ability to safely insert a central venous catheter (CVC) is critical to avoid associated complications. The aim of this study was to explore appropriate technique to maintain the safety of pediatric patients during CVC.MethodsWe reviewed the surgical records of CVC insertion techniques and associated complications of 503 tunneled CVC insertions performed from 2000 to 2015.ResultsTwo hundred thirty CVCs (45.7%) were inserted into the subclavian vein using the landmark technique for 10 years (first period). Only two pneumothoraxes (0.9%) were experienced. In 2009, we adopted ultrasound-guided venous catheterization from the internal jugular vein, and 103 CVCs (20.5%) were inserted (second period). This procedure led to penetration into the innominate vein (1.0%) by dilater sheath. Patient underwent repair of the penetrated vessel. After this serious complication, 170 CVCs (33.8%) were inserted using the venous cutdown procedure except two catheters. We had two cases whose accessible veins were occluded because of frequent catheterization using venous cutdown technique. No mechanical complications were experienced.ConclusionsThe venous cutdown method is the safest technique for inserting a tunneled CVC in pediatric patients. However, multiple vein occlusions because of repeated catheterizaion by venous cutdown lead to the exhaustion of accessible vessels.Level of evidenceTreatment Study - Level IV