The intercostal vein: an alternate route for central venous alimentation.

During the course of parenteral nutrition in infants, access to the central venous system may become limited due to thrombotic occlusion of the superior and inferior caval venous systems. When this problem arises, central venous access via the intercostal vein into the azygos system can provide a safe, relatively easy solution. A new technique utilizing this approach has been developed at our institution using silicone elastomer tubing joined with a Broviac catheter for long-term use. Thus far, six catheters have successfully been inserted with a mean duration of 52 days; one catheter was in place for as long as 110 days.