Probing the feasibility of peripherally inserted central venous catheters through axillary vein in very low birth weight infants

Objective Probing the feasibility of peripherally inserted central venous catheters(PICC) through axillary vein in very low birth weight infant(VLBWI).Methods PICC was placed through basilic vein in 32 VLBWI(BV group) and through axillary vein in 65 VLBWI(AV group).Their heart rate respiration and oxygen saturation were observed in both groups during inserting catheters.Patients were followed throughout their entire catheter course and the total duration of PICC and PICC-related complications including dislodgment,infection,occlusion,leakage were documented.Catheter outcome of two groups were compared.Results The vital signs of all patients were normal during placing catheters.The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant in the incidence of complications and total durations of PICC.Conclusions It is feasible to place PICC in VLBWI.When the basilica vein is not clear or puncture through it fails the axillary vein can be selected.