[Percutaneous-peripheral vena cava catheterization in intensive care of premature and newborn infants. Comparison of Shaw's silastic catheter with the customary polyvinyl catheter].

Central venous catheters inserted via peripheral veins are commonly used in neonatal intensive care. Handling of two commonly available catheters made of different materials were compared during application in 85 neonates under intensive care. Polyvinylchloride and silicone rubber were used as catheter material. Advantages of silicone rubber catheter were detected especially in very low birth weight premature infants. Successful puncture of the peripheral veins and correct positioning could be performed in a higher proportion of these babies than when using polyvinylchloride-catheters. The insertion of polyvinyl-catheters needs shorter time of manipulation and during infusion we found a significantly lower incidence of mechanical problems with the catheter.