CASE AT A GLANCE
PICC Line in Preemie

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Case Overview:

An eight-week-old premature infant (born at 28 weeks) had significant medical problems, including chronic lung disease and bowel ischemia that required surgery and a gastroschisis silo. During hospitalization for these conditions a PICC line was needed. During the procedure a nurse inadvertently inserted a needle into the popliteal artery instead of the vein in his leg. The problem was discovered immediately by the nurse and the needle was removed and direct pressure was applied on the area. The lack of blood flow to the baby’s foot resulted in amputation of most of his foot. Cannulation of the artery during this procedure is a known risk and not a deviation of the standard of care. The jury found in favor of the defense.