1 Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and The Harrison Department of Surgical Research, University of Pennsylvania
A technique for successful and consistent cannulation of extremity veins of neonates using a plastic catheter with inner needle stylet has been used in over 150 neonates for surgical and postoperative management at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and has all but eliminated the use of the incisional "cut-down."
Advantages of this method over the incisional "cut-down" include: ease of changing insertion sites, preservation of function and subsequent usefulness of the veins, the ability to use larger caliber cannulas, increased duration of function without phlebitis, and the elimination of the unsightly "cut-down" scars.
Although meticulous attention to the details of insertion and immobilization are essential for success with this technique, it has been easily taught to our rotating junior level surgical residents and to many of the pediatric interns and pediatric residents.
Submitted on April 12, 1971