Short Peripheral and Midline Catheter Complications

Overview

Peripheral vascular access device (VAD) use is widespread in inpatient and outpatient settings. Short peripheral catheters (SPCs), commonly called “I.V.s,” are the most widely used VADs worldwide. International data indicate that more than 1 billion SPCs are used annually in hospitalized patients. A resurgence in the use of midline catheters provides yet another option for peripheral venous access.

In the United States, at least 85% of hospitalized patients receive some form of I.V. therapy. Although the use of peripheral VADs allows patients to receive I.V. therapy, which can be life-sustaining or even lifesaving, the devices also present a challenge when managing associated complications. This article will inform nurses of peripheral vascular access device (VAD) complications in order to help manage and reduce complications should they occur.

Key Learning Outcomes

• Describe how to prevent peripheral vascular access device (VAD) complications.
• Discuss how to manage VAD complications.

Presented By

Dawn Berndt, DNP, RN, CRNI®
Dawn Berndt is the clinical education and publications manager at the Infusion
Nurses Society in Norwood, Massachusetts.

Marlene Steinheiser, PhD, RN, CRNI®
Marlene Steinheiser is the director of clinical education at the Infusion
Nurses Society in Norwood, Massachusetts.

Online