A new simple technique for the insertion of cuffed central venous catheters: an initial experience

BACKGROUND: Although tunneled polyurethane catheters with polyester cuffs are useful when prolonged central venous access is necessary but their insertion still remains challenging at times. We report the first study of a new cuffed polyurethane catheter (Seldicuff) that can be easily inserted using the Seldinger technique without the need of a vein dilator and that incorporates a tunneling needle onto the catheter. A Seldicuff catheter was placed in 15 patients (mean age: 53 +/- 11 years) who required prolonged parenteral nutrition. All catheters were inserted into the right subclavian vein. The procedure lasted 6.4 +/- 0.8 minutes and no complication directly related to catheter placement was noted. Catheters remained in position for a mean duration of 103 days (range, 58 to 220 days). During this period, no infectious or mechanical complications were observed. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that placement of this novel cuffed catheter is as simple as inserting a conventional central venous catheter.