Total parenteral nutrition (TPN): the team concept.

The septic and metabolic complications observed in patients receiving TPN have led to the development of teams involving people from various fields. The application of this concept and the design of a new infusion system have led to the elimination of most complications. In 15 months (January 1979 - March 1980), 68 patients were given TPN for a total duration of 1,424 days. Seventy-two catheters were inserted in the superior vena cava for a total duration of 1,617 days. These procedures do not seem to have induced any mechanical or septic complication in these patients.