Revisiting Peripheral Intravenous Cannula (PIVC) Strategies in Neonates: Lessons from Recent Research

Excerpt

Inserting peripheral intravenous cannulas (PIVCs) is a common procedure in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) for administering medications, blood products, and parenteral nutrition to hospitalized neonates. PIVCs typically remain functional for approximately 24 to 48 h, and extending their lifespan beyond this time frame is challenging [1]. Among the complications associated with IV cannulation in neonates, superficial thrombophlebitis (ST) is particularly concerning, as it is linked to reduced mean dwelling times [1, 2]. Given the fragile nature of neonatal veins and the potential long-term consequences of such complications, it is crucial to explore strategies for preventing ST and improving dwell times. …