A novel technique for difficult removal of a neonatal peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC).

ABSTRACT

Peripherally inserted central catheters have become commonplace in the neonatal intensive care unit for long-term hyperalimentation and medication administration. Removal of the catheter at the conclusion of therapy is routinely relatively easy. We describe a case of a retained catheter that was unresponsive to typical noninvasive interventions and was subsequently removed using a unique non-surgical approach.