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Intravenous catheters, also known as IV catheters, are essential for patient care in both hospital settings and on-site emergencies. Intravenous access (IV access) is required for procedures such as fluid or nutrition administration, chemotherapy, and blood transfusions. Catheters differ because of the particular insertion site and the specific job of the catheter. Learn more about the main types of IV catheters and how they’re utilized.
Peripheral IV Catheter
A peripheral IV catheter consists of a single lumen catheter inserted into a peripheral vein in either the hand or forearm. It is the most common type of catheter used in healthcare. They’re usually between ¾ of an inch to one inch long, with catheter insertion performed by a nurse upon admission to a hospital.
For certain patients with smaller veins (or pediatric or infant patients), peripheral access for an intravenous line can use the patient’s foot.
It can be used for:
- Administration of IV fluids to treat dehydration
- Short-term access for IV therapy, blood samples, or other procedures that require temporary venous access
Since peripheral veins are smaller, delivering large volumes of medication through a peripheral line is not feasible; a larger vein must be used.
Midline Catheter
A midline catheter inserts into a peripheral vein slightly below the elbow. It provides access to IV fluids, medications, blood draws, IV therapy, chemotherapy, antibiotic therapy, and pain medication delivery in the operating room or intensive care unit (ICU). Midline catheters are a larger length than peripheral catheters, from three to ten inches long. These can stay in place for four to six weeks, with less chance of irritation of the vein’s interior, known as phlebitis.
Central Line (Central Venous Catheter)
A central line (CVL) is placed directly into a large vein just above or inside the heart through a small incision made in the neck (jugular vein), chest (subclavian vein), or groin area (femoral vein) under sterile conditions and local anesthesia. Once inserted, it remains in place at all times and allows easy repeated access to draw blood or give medications or blood products intravenously. Central lines are often placed by interventional radiology using fluoroscopic guidance from an angiography suite. They allow for greater volumes of medication to be delivered and can greatly reduce the chances of extravasation (leakage of blood, lymph, or medication into surrounding tissues).
The CVL can be used for long-term venous access in critically ill patients who cannot tolerate standard IV catheters, such as those with infections of their veins. It may also be used for parenteral nutrition and drug administration when other routes of administration are not feasible due to patient condition or age limitations.
The central line should not be confused with another type of catheter called an arterial cannula, used during cardiac surgery to measure blood pressure directly from an artery rather than from a vein near the heart (as with an arterial line).
PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter)
A PICC (peripherally inserted central venous catheter) is a long, slender, flexible catheter inserted into an arm vein above the elbow. It administers treatments such as chemotherapy and antibiotic therapy over several days or months. It is longer than a midline catheter and travels into the superior vena cava, delivering medication directly into blood circulation.
The PICC line has some advantages over other types of IV lines. It’s accessed easily from outside your body (so it doesn’t need to be moved when you change positions in bed), allows fluids to flow in and out easier than other types of IV lines, and doesn’t have a needle at one end to prevent needlestick injuries.
Implantable Port
An implantable port is a small silicone-topped reservoir surgically placed beneath the skin and connected to a large vein near the heart. These are also known as “intravenous reservoirs” or “port-a-caths.” A port can remain in place for years. Medicine injects through the skin into the reservoir to then travel to the heart. Port insertion requires surgery, usually on an outpatient basis. Anesthesiologists can also perform this procedure.
Implantable ports have less frequent access site changes (once every 3-6 months) than other IV catheters such as PICCs or Broviac lines. However, if an infection develops at any time during the use of the device, change the site more frequently. The implantable port also requires little training for patients or caregivers compared to other types of indwelling vascular access devices (IVADs).
Know Your Catheters
Different situations will dictate which type of catheter needs to be used for optimum results. For the best equipment and supplies for patient care, visit Penn Care. They’re locally owned and operated with the knowledge and expertise to get your organization the supplies it needs to save lives.
