Retrograde tunnel: a method for the fixation of long-term pediatric central venous catheters

Abstract

The fashioning of a subcutaneous tunnel has become an integral part of the placement of central venous catheters (CVC). Several methods have been described, but the long-term CVCs in pediatric practice pose special problems, particularly that of the patients continually testing the CVC's fixation. A polyurethane CVC is used that has not been previously described in pediatric usage and a retrograde tunneling technique has been developed which affords immediate and secure fixation.