Long Peripheral Catheter have a role in neonatal care. They are employed in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and similar healthcare settings, for instances where there is a need for prolonged vascular access to facilitate a range of medical procedures.
Vascular Access procedures are routine in neonatal intensive care units. The extended dwell peripheral intravenous (EPIV) catheter, a 6-8cm silicone catheter designed for peripheral vein insertion, represents a more recent vascular access option compared to peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and standard peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheters.
In neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), neonates frequently require vascular access. The majority of NICU neonates need vascular access for extended nutritional support and medication administration throughout their stay. This task poses difficulties because NICU neonates have very delicate and tiny veins. The two most frequently employed vascular access devices for neonates in the NICU are the peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheter and the peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC).
Long peripheral catheters can be used in neonates when intravenous access is required for an extended period. LPC are typically used in neonates when short-term peripheral venous access is insufficient, and central venous access is not necessary. Common indications include the need for long-term antibiotic therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and intravenous fluids. The size and length of the PICC line depend on the infant’s size and clinical needs. Neonatal PICCs are generally smaller in diameter compared to those used in older children and adults. The length should be chosen carefully to avoid coiling or kinking.
In summary, previous data, alongside our own findings, substantiate that in specific cases involving NICU patients, the EPIV catheter may offer benefits in comparison to both the PIV catheter and PICC. However, to confirm the potential advantages of using the EPIV catheter in neonatal care it is warranted to conduct additional patient specific studies, ensuring that tailored treatment is administered to each individual.
References
Chenoweth, K. et al. (2018, August). The Extended Dwell Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Is an Alternative Method of NICU Intravenous Access. Advances in Neonatal Care. https://journals.lww.com/advancesinneonatalcare/fulltext/2018/08000/the_extended_dwell_peripheral_intravenous_catheter.9.aspx
Marchetti, J. et al. (2023, February) Effective Use of Extended Dwell Peripheral Intravenous Catheters in Neonatal Intensive Care Patients. Advances in Neonatal Care. https://journals.lww.com/advancesinneonatalcare/abstract/2023/02000/effective_use_of_extended_dwell_peripheral.12.aspx
Health Line International Corp. is not responsible for any errors, omissions, injury, loss, or damage arising from or relating to the use (or misuse) of any information, statements, or conclusions contained in or implied by the contents of this document or any of the source materials. This content is not intended to replace professional medical advice.