Midlines and Thrombophlebitis

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are central catheters that are placed via peripheral vein under ultrasound guidance and may be used for patients with difficult venous access for long-term central or peripheral infusion therapies as well as central venous pressure monitoring in a critical care setting. Although PICCs provide a great option for some patients, these catheters have known complications including catheter-related bloodstream infection, catheter-related venous thrombosis or clotting, malfunction, and high cost. Midline catheters represent a potentially attractive alternative to PICCs for peripheral infusions. As midlines have increased in popularity and new midlines have been introduced into the market, it is necessary to better understand complication profiles of various midline catheters, as it is likely that all catheters are not created equal. Specifically, the incidence of symptomatic catheter-related thrombosis is of interest. Some midline catheters are coated to provide protection against catheter-related venous thrombosis and/or catheter-related bloodstream infection. The theoretical benefit(s) of these catheters need further validation in human subjects.