title: New tunneler for inserting long-term central venous catheters.
abstract: During insertion of a long-term central venous catheter, creation of the subcutaneous tunnel is a frequent cause of patient discomfort, as well as a potential source of complications. The following technique makes use of a new tunneler that, being only slightly larger than the catheter itself, minimizes discomfort and skin trauma, thus reducing the potential for hematoma formation and infection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, HCA Medical Center Hospital, Houston, Texas.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Rubio
mesh_terms: D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D013525:Surgical Instruments