Aim: A new technique allowing placement of umbilical silicone venous catheters (USVC) is described and compared with percutaneous silicone venous catheters (PSVC).
Methods: Data were retrospectively recorded for 198 infants with USVC and 141 infants with PSVC.
Results: Overall rate of complications was low and comparable in both groups: thrombosis 1.2%, catheter-related sepsis 3.5% and mechanical obstruction 5%.
Conclusion: A new device allows safe introduction of silicone catheters into the umbilical vein.