Five years' experience with a right atrial catheter for prolonged parenteral nutrition at home.

The results with a cuffed silicon rubber right atrial catheter for prolonged parenteral nutrition are reported. In 43 patients, 78 catheters were inserted; of these, 52 were removed for various reasons. The mean duration of catheter patency in 26 patients currently infusing at home is 9.4 months. The high incidence of catheter-related septicemia previously reported by others has been reduced to one for every 5.5 patient years. The combination of soft Silastic material, catheter design, localization and easy handling by the patient have all contributed to its longer life span. It can be used with impunity whenever long term access to the circulation is needed.