Critically ill neonates require a central access adequate for infusion of any type of solution, even at high flow, but also for blood sampling and for hemodynamic monitoring. The ultrasound-guided placement of a power injectable polyurethane catheter, either single lumen (3Fr) or double lumen (4Fr), in the brachio-cephalic vein (CICC) or in the femoral vein (FICC) will be necessary.
Examples of indications to placement of a CICC or a FICC:
- Need for central access for rapid fluid repletion (in emergency and/or during major surgery).
- Hemodynamic instability and the need for monitoring of CVP and O2 saturation in mixed venous blood, at any age of life.
- Major malformation pathologies requiring surgery (e.g., esophageal atresia, omphalocele, gastroschisis, etc.).
- Infants with severe type 2 bronchodysplasia (need for mechanical ventilation at 36 weeks of postconceptional age) and need for intravenous therapy.