title: Simple technique for determination of the correct length of percutaneous tunnelled catheters in neonates and children.
abstract: A simple technique for determining the correct catheter length in percutaneous tunnelled catheters in infants and young children has been devised that virtually guarantees accurate catheter tip placement. Sixty-six patients, aged newborn to 5 years (mean, 1.6 years) have successfully undergone this technique. It is safe, simple, precise, quick, and cost effective. It requires only a hemostat, a suture, and the supplies provided in the prepackaged catheter kit. This technique should be used whenever a percutaneous technique for accessing the vein is used and fluoroscopy is available.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, St Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA 19134-1095.
authors.forename: B C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Lein
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Vinocur
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Reyes
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Geissler
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Billmire
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Weintraub
authors.forename: S P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Dunn
mesh_terms: D000886:Anthropometry / Q000379:methods*; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D013350:Subclavian Vein / Q000033:anatomy & histology*