Midline catheters are peripheral venous access devices that vary in length between 7.5 – 20 cm. Midlines are usually placed in the upper arm vein such as the basilic, brachial, or cephalic using an ultrasound for guidance. The tip of the midline catheter ends below the level of the axillary line.
Indications for Midline Catheters
- Difficult venous access
- Long term (2-4 week) infusion of non-vesicant, non-hyperosmolar or non-corrosive medications
- Limited peripheral veins
- IV Therapy for more than 3 days (the life of most peripheral IVs)
Advantages of Midline Catheters
- Patient comfort- fewer re-starts that peripheral IVs
- Longer dwell time (2-4 weeks)
- Lower risk of infection
- No X-ray required prior to use
- Decrease chance of extravasation of infusate
- Less costly than multiple re-starts