Broviac central venous catheterization in infants and children

Abstract

Broviac central venous catheters were utilized in 101 infants and children for total parenteral nutrition, administration of chemotherapy and antibiotics, and venous blood sampling over a 30 month period. A low sepsis rate (6 percent) despite the immunosuppressed condition of many of the patients and the demonstrated versatility of each catheter attests to its wide and safe applicability in this age group. Three infected catheters were sterilized by infusion of specific antibiotics through the catheter, a technique which may prove particularly valuable in patients with limited venous access.