Supraventricular tachycardia induced by a peripherally inserted central catheter in a preterm baby
Peripheral insertion of a central catheter is an essential procedure, which is frequently performed in extremely premature babies as well as those that are critically ill. This article reports on the case of a preterm infant who developed supraventricular tachycardia as a consequence of a malpositioned peripherally inserted central catheter in the cardiac chambers.
Ahmed Yousef
Neonatal Clinical Fellow,
Birmingham Women’s Hospital, Birmingham Women's and Children's Foundation NHS Trust
ahmed.yousef3@nhs.net
orcid.org/0000-0001-5009-1631
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Keywords
preterm infant; supraventricular tachycardia (SVT); peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC); arrythmia; patient safety
Key points
- This case highlights a rare complication of upper limb PICC line insertion.
- Practitioners should be aware of correct insertion techniques and should always examine the vascular route of a PICC line and the PICC tip position to confirm correct placement.
- SVT may occur if the tip of the PICC line lies within the heart chambers.
Also published in Infant:
VOLUME 18 ISSUE 4/JULY 2022
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