Central venous catheterisation in newborn infants

Central venous catheterisation in newborn infantsNewborns may require intensive treatment because of prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction, medical complications or for surgical correction of congenital abnormalities. In very sick, extremely preterm infants and full term ventilated infants, the availability of early and reliable central venous access is paramount. This article discusses various aspects of central venous catheterisation in newborn infants, using umbilical venous catheters and percutaneous long lines, including the results of a large regional audit in south east England.