Centrally inserted central catheters in preterm neonates with weight below 1500 g by ultrasound-guided access to the brachio-cephalic vein

OBJECTIVE: Central venous access in critically ill newborns can be challenging. Ultrasound-guided brachio-cephalic vein catheterization is a relatively new procedure, recently introduced in several neonatal intensive care units. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of such a technique in preterm babies. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on ultrasound-guided central venous catheter insertion in preterm neonates. SETTING: Neonatal intensive care unit. PATIENTS: Critically ill preterm neonates with weight below 1500 g requiring a central access. INTERVENTIONS: Ultrasound-guided brachio-cephalic vein catheterization. MAIN RESULTS: Thirty centrally inserted catheters were placed in 30 neonates. The success rate of the procedure was 100%. No case of accidental arterial or pleural puncture was registered during the study period. CONCLUSION: The brachio-cephalic vein can be safely catheterized in preterm newborns requiring intensive care after appropriate training.