External jugular cannulation in infants and children.
Placement of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is commonplace in infants and children for the infusion of medications, hydration, and nutritional solutions. Vein depletion caused by repeated and prolonged need for vascular access devices has forced practitioners to consider alternate veins for providing care. The external jugular vein has a positive history of use for insertion of the PICC and is becoming increasing popular for this purpose. Pertinent anatomy, patient selection criteria, preparation, and catheter insertion and maintenance processes related to the catheter placed and residing in the external jugular vein are discussed.
Pettit
Janet
J
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Doctors Medical Center, and Perinatal Region, Kaiser Foundation Hospital, Modesto 95354, California, USA. spettit@sbcglobal.net
D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007601:Jugular Veins