Medium-term Venous Access in Congenital Heart Surgery

A Medium-term Venous Access Alternative in Infants Undergoing Congenital Heart Surgery

This study is designed to evaluate medium-term central venous catheter placement in infants undergoing complex cardiac surgery using a new technique. This technique involves placement of the catheter into the inferior vena cava through a subcutaneous tunnel and through a tunnel between pericardium and diaphragm.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Infants undergoing surgical correction or palliation of congenital heart disease via sternotomy
• Age 0-365 days
• Anticipated intensive care stay over 10 days
• Need for central venous access or prolonged venous access

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of access that is likely to last more than 10 days at time of operation
• Septic shock
• Known inferior vena cava thrombosis
• Operations not approached by sternotomy