All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(657 products available)
Ready to Ship
A central venous catheter (CVC) is a crucial tool in pediatric care, offering pathways for medication, fluids, and blood administration, as well as for monitoring and drawing blood. CVCs are particularly vital for patients with serious health issues or those requiring prolonged intravenous therapy, given their capacity to reach large veins near the heart for swift drug distribution. In this section, various CVCs applicable in pediatrics will be discussed. They include:
Tunneled CVCs are intended for long-term use, typically from weeks to months or even years. They are often implanted surgically, where the catheter is threaded through a tunnel under the skin to a major vein, such as the jugular or subclavian.
This design helps minimize infection risks by keeping the catheter tip deep within the body. In pediatrics, tunneled catheters are generally used for children needing frequent or extended treatment, like those with chronic illnesses requiring regular chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition, or medication infusion.
Hickman catheters comprise a type of tunneled CVC with one or more lumens. They are fashioned from soft, flexible materials such as silicone or a combination of silicone and polyurethane. Known for their softness, Hickman catheters offer increased comfort for patients requiring long-term venous access. One lumen is typically meant for blood products, medications, or fluids, while another is used for blood draws or lab samples, with some including a third for chemotherapy or other specialized treatments.
Non-tunneled CVCs are intended for short-term use, generally ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks. They are inserted directly into a major vein, such as the jugular, subclavian, or femoral, and are used when immediate central access is necessary. In pediatrics, non-tunneled catheters suit patients requiring short-term therapy, such as those recovering from surgery, dealing with acute illnesses, or needing immediate medication or fluid infusion.
A Pediatric Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) is a long flexible tube inserted into a peripheral vein and guided to a central vein near the heart. PICCs are designed specifically for children, with catheters made from flexible materials that ensure ease of insertion and minimization of discomfort for small, sensitive veins.
Developed for safety, efficiency, and reliability, the materials used in pediatric central venous catheters significantly impact their durability, flexibility, and risk of complications. Hence, the following are vital during development:
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) comes in handy for its versatility and durability, hence used in many medical devices. Generally, PVC catheters offer good strength and flexibility, allowing easy maneuvering during insertion. Despite its strengths, PVC is slightly less flexible than some other materials, which may affect comfort in long-term uses.
Silicone is famed for its flexibility, biocompatibility (non-reactivity with body tissues), and durability. Further, it is softer than many other materials, making it comfortable for long-term patients and reducing the risk of damage to blood vessels. Also, silicone is more resistant to kinking (bending that blocks fluid flow), ensuring reliable access.
Polyurethane comes in handy for its increased strength and reduced risk of thrombosis (blood clot formation) compared to silicone. In addition, PU catheters are generally more radiopaque (visible in X-rays), allowing medical staff to track the catheter's position during imaging. Usually, PU's greater rigidity may impact flexibility, though this benefit in strength makes it ideal for use in high-demand situations.
Manufacturers of pediatric CVCs deploy several strategies to ensure durability. First, they choose quality materials with strong bonds between polymer chains to prevent wear or degradation. Additionally, coating CVCs with anti-thrombotic or anti-microbial substances reduces clogs and infection risks, both of which can compromise durability.
Moreover, reinforcement of catheter walls in high-pressure areas enhances strength. Moreover, testing under simulated physiological conditions ensures the catheters can withstand prolonged use without failure. Lastly, packaging and storing the catheters in sterile, protective environments ensures they remain undamaged before use.
Central venous catheters fit pediatric patients in various healthcare settings and medical scenarios, particularly when conventional intravenous (IV) access is challenging or when prolonged therapy is required. Below are some key situations:
Children with cancer often need frequent chemotherapy sessions and a central venous catheter to safely administer drugs directly into the bloodstream. Since chemotherapy drugs commonly irritate or damage peripheral veins, having a CVC makes it easier to manage the treatment with less discomfort and fewer interruptions for the child.
CVCs provide quick and reliable access, allowing medical professionals to administer life-saving fluids, medications, or blood products. They are essential in trauma care, postoperative recovery, and any critical situations requiring constant monitoring of central venous pressure (CVP) to assess heart function and blood flow.
NICUs regularly use CVCs for premature and critically ill newborns requiring continuous medication infusion, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), or blood component therapies. CVCs are designed to minimize the risk of injury to the fragile veins in this vulnerable population and provide vital access for complex treatments.
Children with chronic illnesses, such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, or congenital heart disease, may need long-term medication or blood product infusions. A central venous catheter saves repeated vein punctures, reducing pain and the risk of vein damage over time. Further, it provides a dependable access point for ongoing therapy.
Several factors are key when selecting a central venous catheter for children to reduce the risks of complications:
When thinking of length, consider the diameter of the heart such that the catheter should be long enough to extend from the major vessel to the right atrium. Hence, a CVC in the internal jugular or subclavian region should be around 15 to 20 centimeters, whereas that in the femoral region should be around 30 centimeters.
The internal diameter stands for the lumen size measured in millimeters. Larger lumens are preferred, especially in situations calling for blood return or fluid transfer. Moreover, lumens of varying internal diameters allow simultaneous therapy types.
Catheter tips fit various anatomical configurations. For instance, therapeutic uses typically include side holes, while non-tunneled designs offer Hofmann slits in areas like the atrium where blood flow turbulence is high. Soft, rounded catheter ends promote comfort and reduce injury risk.
CVCs are maneuverable, with some including locking mechanisms. Manufacturers have CVCs with radiopaque tips to ease monitoring and ensure proper placement. Moreover, advanced CVCs feature ultrasound-guidance technology for improved positioning, especially in challenged cases.
Manufacturers employ simple assembly CVCs to decrease intervention times, particularly in emergencies. In addition, CVCs with multiple lumens feature varying configurations for healthcare providers to choose from according to their needs, thus enhancing versatility.
A1: A key challenge is the risk of infection since young children's immune systems are still developing. Close monitoring to prevent complications such as thrombosis (blood clots) or catheter occlusion (blocking) and ensuring proper placement are also necessary. Further, education for caregivers on recognizing signs of problems and maintaining catheter hygiene is essential.
A2: Non-tunneled central venous catheters usually require replacement every 3-5 days due to their temporary use, whereas tunneled and implanted catheters can last months or years, requiring periodical replacement based on the manufacturer's guidelines and medical needs. Regular monitoring for signs of wear or infection is critical.
A3: Infected catheter malaise patients may experience fever, chills, or swelling at the catheter insertion site. Conversely, sepsis patients experience hypotension (low blood pressure), tachycardia (fast heart rate), altered consciousness, and respiratory distress. Laboratory testing, including blood cultures and catheter cultures, helps confirm the diagnosis.
A4: Yes, central venous catheters intended for neonatal patients are often smaller in lumen and made of softer, more flexible materials to ensure easy insertion into the tiny, fragile veins of newborns. Older children can use slightly larger catheters, provided their veins are properly assessed.
A5: CVCs are essential for patients unable to obtain nutrition through normal means. They carefully administer TPN solutions containing water, electrolytes, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals directly into the bloodstream, allowing the body to absorb the nutrients while avoiding gastrointestinal routes.
