Saphenofemoral venous cutdowns in the premature infant.

Thirty-five preterm neonates that had 42 central venous lines placed via saphenofemoral cutdown in the groin are reviewed. The mean gestational age was 29 weeks; mean birth weight 1,320 g. There were no catheter-associated deaths. Minor complications occurred in 50% of patients. Leg swelling (43%), catheter occlusion (12%), and catheter fluid leakage (10%) were the most common. Infections were minor and occurred in 8% of the cases. We believe this study shows the effectiveness and safety of the saphenofemoral cutdown for central venous access in the premature neonate.