Purpose: To compare the conventional measurement with an alternative measurement for inserting peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in neonates.

Basic Procedures: Observational study, comparative cohort, with 24 neonates. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistical calculations. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee.

Main Findings: It was found that, in 91.7% of cases, the conventional measurement was greater than the alternative. Dislodgement occurred in 75.0% of the inserted catheters, with the length of dislodgement being between 1 cm (33.3%) and 2 cm (25.0%). Dislodgement was not associated with the weight and age of the neonate. Most catheters were silicone (54.2%), inserted in the right upper limb (62.5%), and with the catheter tip in the third intercostal space (58.3%).

Conclusions: The alternative measurement suggests a decrease in the number of catheter dislodgements for repositioning its tip, mitigating complications arising from the use of the device. Therefore, it is recommended that the proposed alternative measure for PICC insertion in newborns be further investigated in new studies to establish robust scientific evidence aimed at modifying current practice and improving the quality of care for neonatal patients.

Eny Dorea, Karina Rangel da Silva Garcia, Rayhelle Cristiny Arantes de Moura, Clisangela Lago Santos, Elisa da Conceição Rodrigues, Maria Estela Diniz Machado, Adriana Teixeira Reis, Luciana Rodrigues da Silva,; Alternative Measurement for Inserting Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in Neonates. Journal of the Association for Vascular Access 1 December 2024; 29 (4): 33–38. doi: https://doi.org/10.2309/JAVA-D-24-00017