Use of ultrasound applied to the peripherally inserted central catheter in newborns

Objective: to report the experience of using ultrasound applied to the Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) in hospitalized newborns. Method: this is a descriptive study of the experience report type, involving newborns that were subject to PICC insertion in a highly complex teaching hospital. Results: it was possible to visualize the PICC tip in the superior vena cava in 70% of the procedures performed, reaffirming the safety, practicality and reliability of this technology. However, there was no success in ultrasound-guided puncture in newborns, possibly associated with characteristics of the available equipment and devices, as well as the characteristics of newborns. Final considerations: PICC is a catheter that has been widely used in newborns for over 20 years, providing greater comfort and safety when it comes to venous therapy. Updates and improvements are necessary to refine the techniques for inserting the device in the neonatal population, already consolidated in other age groups, in order to increase the quality of care.