The saphenous system for long-term parenteral nutrition.
Three case reports describing the use of inferior vena caval catheterizations for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) are presented. Five anterior femoral vein cutdowns were advanced through the saphenous bulb, femoral, and iliac veins into the inferior vena cava. Four catheters were used for the purpose of TPN administration, the 5th for blood product administration and intraoperative monitoring. Five catheters were left in place without thrombotic or septic complications for a total of 10 months. The technique of elastomer catheter insertion in the tributary of the greater saphenous vein under local anesthesia is described.
D000328:Adult; D002404:Catheterization; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition / Q000379:methods*; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total / Q000379:methods*; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000601:surgery*