[Long-term catheterization of the central venous system in children].

The authors explain the principle of central venous catheters (CVC) for long-term use, indicators for insertion, mode of insertion and principles of care of children with these special CVC. The authors inserted since 1982 42 CVC of the Broviac-Hickmann type in 32 children (age 22 days--15 years; body weight 2.4-17 kg). Since 1987 they inserted 16 CVC for long-term use with a subcutaneous capsule to 16 children and adolescents (age 1 years-17 years; body weight 11.5-73.5 kg). These CVC were inserted under general anaesthesia, in catheterization theatre. There were no technical complications. The authors treated and followed under standard protocol a group of 14 children with 20 CVC of the Broviac type (age at onset of treatment 22-715 days; body weight 2.4-10 kg) as well as the above described group of 16 children and adolescents with CVC for long-term use with a subcutaneous capsule. During treatment of children with Broviac catheters five technical complications were observed (mechanical damage of the CVC); in children with CVC with a subcutaneous capsule one technical complication was recorded (damage of the chamber of the Chemoport Vygon system, by incorrect puncture). The authors searched for thromboembolic and infectious complications. In four of 20 children with Broviac catheters purulent phlebitis of the cannulated veins was found (all died)--one thromboembolic complication developed on average after 234 days of use of Broviac catheters.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)