In our NICU the preterm infants (including 24+ weeks) needing artery catheters normaly get a peripheral radial artery catheter. Very seldom is a UAC used, only if there is dificulties with peripheral lines. To my knowledge there have not been any complications. We keep it as long as needed, normaly 5-6 days.
Dr Hans Joergen Guthe
Childrens Department
Haukeland University Hospital
Bergen, Norway