Comparison of thin-walled introducer needle and catheter-over-needle technique in ultrasound-guided venous access port implantation for pediatric patients

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of thin-walled introducer needle and catheter-over-needle techniques for ultrasound (US)-guided venous access port implantation for pediatric patients. Methods Retrospectively, a cohort of 185 pediatric individuals who underwent venous access port implantation at our institution between January 2021 and August 2022 were included. All patients received the same standardized anesthesia scheme. During the implantation of venous access ports guided by US, the needle group (n = 92) utilized the technique of thin-walled introducer needles, whereas the catheter group (n = 93) used the technique of catheter-over-needle. Recorded were the rates of successful venous puncture and insertion of the guide wire, along with the occurrence of early complications. Results The catheter group had a significantly higher success rate of guide wire insertion on the first attempt compared to the needle group (92.5% vs. 81.5%, P  = 0.027).There were 9 patients developed venous thrombosis in the catheter group far less than those (20 patients) in the needle group significantly (9.7% vs. 21.7%; P  = 0.024). One patient in the needle group was found to have a venous hematoma. Conclusion Compared with the thin-walled introducer needle technique, the catheter-over-needle technique showed advantages.