Intravascular catheter complications in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Central and peripheral intravascular catheters serve many important functions for sick neonates; however, the use of these catheters also carries significant risk of permanent disability or even death. This article examines the risks of catheter-related thromboembolic events, vasospasm, and infection. The article also looks at risks that are specific to umbilical artery catheters, umbilical vein catheters, peripherally-inserted central catheters, peripheral artery catheters, and peripheral intravenous catheters. Specific recommendations are made to reduce the possibility of an intravascular catheter-related complication.