Real-Time Ultrasound Tip Location Reduces Malposition and Radiation Exposure during Epicutaneo-Caval Catheter Placement in Neonates

Objective Epicutaneo-caval catheters (ECCs) are essential for the care of sick infants who require long-term medical and nutritional management. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of real-time ultrasound as an alternative to X-rays to reduce the incidence of primary malpositions during catheter insertion.Study Design Data on ECCs were retrospectively collected in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit. Catheter were analyzed considering the tip location technique (standard chest-abdominal radiograph vs real-time ultrasound)Results A total of 248 ECCs were analyzed. Of these, 118 catheters had primary malposition (47.6%). The tip of 165 catheters was assessed using standard chest-abdominal X-rays and 107 (64.8%) were found to be in an inappropriate location. In the group of 83 catheters that were placed using real-time ultrasound for tip location, only 11 catheters (13.2%) had primary malposition. The rate of malposition among the two groups showed a statistically significant difference ( p < 0.001). Hypothetically, 300 chest X-rays could have been saved if real-time ultrasound had been used to locate the tip, reducing radiation exposure to infants.Conclusion The use of a real-time ultrasound may be beneficial in reducing primary catheter malpositions compared with conventional radiography. In addition, secondary malpositions and catheter-related complications can be monitored over time.