Epicutaneo-cava catheters are the most widely used central venous catheters in the neonate, but their insertion and management are potentially associated with several complications, both during placement (failure to proceed with the catheter, primary malposition, etc.) and during maintenance (infection, venous thrombosis, catheter dislocation, secondary malposition, etc.). Recent studies have identified methods and techniques that may be effective in minimizing the risk of most of these complications. This paper proposes a structured, sequential insertion bundle—nicknamed “the SIECC protocol” (SIECC = Safe Insertion of Epicutaneo-Cava Catheters)—which includes seven evidence-based strategies which have been proven to increase the safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of the procedure.
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