Selecting the appropriate vascular access is a critical decision to ensure effective care and minimise the risk of complications.
The importance of neonatal vascular access
Neonatal vascular access includes a range of devices, such as central and peripheral venous catheters, that enable medical treatment in newborns with complex or premature conditions. These tools are used from the very first minutes of life in many neonatal intensive care settings, where every intervention must be timely and minimally invasive.
They ensure the safe administration of parenteral nutrition, antibiotics, sedatives, or inotropes, and allow for frequent blood sampling without repeated trauma.
Challenges in managing neonatal vascular access
Managing vascular access in neonatology involves numerous challenges due to the anatomical fragility of patients and the small calibre of their blood vessels. Key critical issues include:
- High risk of infection, especially with central catheters and in preterm infants
- Thrombosis and occlusions caused by the small vessel diameter and prolonged device dwell time
- Lack of standardisation in device selection, which is still often based on individual experience rather than scientific evidence
- Technical difficulties during insertion, requiring highly specialised skills
This is why it is essential to adopt advanced solutions and standardised protocols to improve clinical outcomes.
Healthcare professionals must receive continuous training, both to ensure proper use and management of the device and to promptly identify any potential complications.
Numantec solutions for safer neonatology
In the field of neonatal venous access, Numantec offers a comprehensive range of devices designed to meet the diverse clinical needs of the smallest patients.
The portfolio includes everything from peripheral intravenous catheters to closed-system catheters in the smallest gauges (26G, 24G, and 22G), as well as long cannulas and reduced-size Midline and PICC catheters (3Fr).
In addition to vascular access devices, the Group provides a wide selection of accessories dedicated to neonatal care:
- Filtration systems: a complete range of filters designed to eliminate impurities and air bubbles during infusion, particularly recommended in neonatology, where safety is paramount
- Elastomeric pumps: controlled-release infusion devices, available in both rigid and soft versions, ideal for long-term therapies and requiring no electrical power
- Pre-filled syringes: ready-to-use solutions that help minimise the risk of contamination, dosage errors, and needlestick injuries
- Feeding bottles and teats: accessories designed to meet the needs of newborns, including premature infants, supporting safe and appropriate feeding
- Dressing and insertion kits: complete sets for the management and maintenance of vascular access in fragile patients
Choosing the most appropriate venous access: the DAV-expert algorithm
To support clinicians in selecting the most suitable device for each individual newborn, it is recommended to adopt the DAV-expert algorithm, developed by GAVePed (the National Congress on Vascular Access in Neonates and Children) as part of the GAVeCeLT working group. This tool offers practical support for clinical decision-making, especially in more complex situations
The DAV-expert algorithm divides its recommendations into two key phases:
- Vascular access at birth, focusing on umbilical catheters and immediate alternatives
- Access after the first days of life, taking into account the expected duration of therapy and evolving clinical conditions
Based on clinical parameters such as weight, gestational age, type of therapy required, and haemodynamic instability, the algorithm helps identify the most appropriate device.
Numantec and the future of neonatal care
Thanks to the expertise of the companies that make up the Group, Numantec has become a leading reference in the field of neonatal vascular access innovation.
Choosing advanced solutions and sharing knowledge means protecting the most fragile newborns, improving clinical efficiency, and supporting the ongoing development of neonatology.
