Critical appraisal of surgical venous access in children

Abstract

Central venous catheters (CVC) have become an important adjunct to the overall management of paediatric patients, but their use is associated with frequent complications resulting in premature removal. This report evaluates the insertion techniques and complications of 295 consecutive surgically inserted CVC from 1987 to 1991 in a paediatric hospital. Fully implanted catheters had significantly less incidence of catheter-related problems necessitating removal (infection, dislodgment, leaking, blockage, or migration — 31%) compared to exteriorised catheters (58%). One-third of catheters were removed because of infection, one-third as they were no longer needed, and the remaining for multiple reasons. Infected (110±18 days), dislodged (18 ± 4 days), or migrated (44 ± 6 days) catheters were removed significantly earlier than those removed because they were no longer needed (195 ± 24 days). Catheters became dislodged more frequently in the younger patients. Catheters with the tip in the subclavian vein (29%) migrated more frequently than those in the right atrium. There was a significantly increased incidence of infection in catheters inserted into the saphenous vein (43%) compared to those in the internal jugular vein (11%). Some episodes of catheter infection were managed with antibiotics, with short-term resolution of symptoms and signs. However, all 71 infected catheters ultimately required removal for further sepsis. Fully implanted catheters had 1.1 episodes of catheter-related sepsis per 1,000 catheter days compared to 3.7 for exteriorised catheters. The position of the catheter tip, vein used for insertion, training of young surgeons, and location of the subcutaneous tunnel need particular attention in order to reduce catheter complications.