Selection of central venous access devices for neonates: an expert review

However, selecting the most appropriate CVAD remains complex due to population heterogeneity and variation in clinical practice, healthcare resources, and models of care.</p> <p>This expert review synthesizes current evidence and clinical guidance to support neonatal CVAD selection. It examines four major CVAD types – umbilical venous catheters, peripherally inserted central catheters, tunneled CVADs, and non-tunneled CVADs – focusing on their indications, contraindications, dwell times, and complication profiles.

Device selection is discussed in relation to neonatal characteristics, therapy requirements, long-term vessel preservation, economic considerations, and healthcare context. This review integrates existing evidence to support individualized, context-informed decision-making across diverse models of care and identifies priorities for future research.</p> <p>Optimal CVAD selection is not merely a technical decision but a strategic clinical process that integrates patient, therapy, device, and health-system factors.