Invited Commentary on: Vascular Access in Neonates and Children: Techniques for the Pediatric Surgeon

jpedsurg.org

We welcome this technical overview of vascular access in neonates and children that highlights a core skill-set in pediatric surgery. Drucker and colleagues present a timely APSA Committee review addressing the increasingly relevant challenges of vascular access in pediatric surgical practice during the era of routine peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement1. The gradual erosion of surgeon familiarity with complex vascular access techniques has led to a knowledge gap. As reliance on specialized vascular access teams has expanded, pediatric surgeons are often consulted only after conventional options have failed, making proficiency with alternative approaches essential.

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Article · Feb 2026 · 1 min read

In brief

This commentary addresses the critical need for pediatric surgeons to maintain proficiency in complex vascular access techniques as PICC placement has become routine. The authors highlight a growing knowledge gap as surgeons are increasingly consulted only after conventional access methods fail, emphasizing the importance of preserving these core technical skills.

Pediatric surgeons must maintain proficiency in complex vascular access as PICC teams handle routine cases
Surgeons are increasingly consulted only after conventional vascular access options have failed
A knowledge gap exists due to decreased surgeon exposure to routine central line placement techniques
Alternative vascular access techniques are essential skills for modern pediatric surgical practice

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