Newborns have tiny veins, no surprises there. These veins are not designed for catheters. Catheters can fall out over the course of just a few days, especially if you have a squirmy, stretchy, kicking newborn. Over the last two weeks in the NICU, Rory has had at least 10 catheters or attempted catheters (did I mention newborns have tiny veins?). They've placed these, at various times, in both hands and both feet in order to supply the dextrose, TPN, and lipids required to supplement her when not feeding. If they know a baby will be here a while, they'll do a PICC line, or a peripherally inserted central catheter. But otherwise, if they can avoid it they'll manage with the normal IV line.
PICC lines travel the vein all the way to near the heart, where they can deliver their load more efficiently, without threat of falling out, or being yanked out by a flailing baby. I imagine its like threading a needle, except it's more like 100 needles, randomly stuck in a pin cushion about a foot long. While blindfolded. The procedure is long, 2-3 hours, without any anaesthesia.
Rory got a PICC line this evening.
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