An improved technique for prolonged arterial catheterization in infants and children.

Arterial catheterization for blood gas analysis and direct monitoring of blood pressure in infants and children can be attended by a variety of complications, which limit its use to short periods of time. An improved technique, consisting of elimination of stopcocks, the use of a continuous flushing system adapted for infants and children, and meticulous care of the system, was used in 57 children whose ages ranged from the neonatal period to 16 years. The mean duration of cannulation was 5.5 days (range, 1-31 days). All but one of the catheters were functional at the time of discontinuation. There were no thromboembolic phenomena, local or systemic infections or accidental bleeding. We feel that our approach to prolonged arterial cannulation can be an extremely valuable aid in the management of critically ill children.