Central Vascular Access Devices

Central vascular access devices (CVADs) are regularly used in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Nurses in advanced practice roles or as members of vascular access teams are increasingly involved in the insertion and management of CVADs. This chapter focuses on a range of CVADs commonly used in neonatal care. These include neonatal-peripherally inserted central catheters (n-PICCs), also referred to as epicutaneo-caval catheters (ECCs). Increasingly centrally inserted central catheters (CICCs) and femorally inserted central catheters (FICCs) are featuring in practice as more NICUs gain experience and become adept in their insertion. A critical focus is placed on infection prevention, detecting and managing complications, pain management strategies to enhance patient comfort and minimise distress, and how parents might be more widely involved.