ABSTRACT
Vascular cannulation and decannulation are performed in the neonatal intensive care unit under adequate sedation and neuromuscular blockade. Neuromuscular blockade is especially important in preventing the potentially lethal complication of an air embolus during introduction of the venous cannula. The instruments and sterile procedures used are identical to those used in the operating room. Heparin sodium (100 units/kg) is drawn up for subsequent administration.
