Insertion of a 1.9F central venous catheter via the internal jugular vein in neonates

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a technique for placing a 1.9 French (F) central venous catheter in the internal jugular vein of newborns. METHODS: In this retrospective study, punctures were performed with a modified ultrasound-guided Seldinger technique with 57 1.9F catheters in 48 newborns. Punctures were performed in the right internal jugular vein in 43 (75.4%) patients and in the left internal jugular vein in 14 (24.6%) patients. RESULTS: We included 33 (57.9%) boys and 24 (42.1%) girls, aged a median 38 days (range, 2–135 days). The puncture success rate was 100%. Catheterization duration was a median 14 days (range, 1–70 days). Among the catheters, 94.1% were removed after completion of therapy or upon death. Fifty-three (93%) patients experienced no complication, whereas a small amount of bleeding was observed in 2 (3.5%) patients, inflammation of puncture in 1 (1.8%) patient, and occlusion in 1 (1.8%) patient. The method of placement of 1.9F catheters in the internal jugular vein of newborns had a high success rate, with minimal trauma and few complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our method of placing a 1.9F central venous catheter in the internal jugular vein is suggested for level III to VI neonatal intensive care units.