The midclavicular catheter: a clinical audit

Backgroud: Vascular access devices (VAD) are usually divided into two categories: peripheral venous catheters (PVC) and central venous access devices (CVAD). These categories broadly determine where the tips of these devices terminate. Typically, peripheral catheters do not enter the chest and terminate prior to the axillary line (Gorski et al., 2021). Whereas the tips of a CVAD enters the larger central veins of the body, namely the lower superior vena cava (SVC), upper right atrium (RA) or the inferior vena cava (IVC) (Hill, 2019). Globally, controversy and variations exist around the optimal tip positioning of VADS. The midline catheter is a peripheral venous access device and according to most guidance, the tips of these devices should terminate before the level of the axilla (Gorski, 2021). Recently, an alternative tip position for the midline catheter has been described by Pittiruti (2021). This position is within the midclavicular area. A device terminating in this region is called a midclavicular catheter (MC).A clinical practice audit was performed by the author. Aim: The audit aim was to study the performance of the MC device and to add to the limited body of evidence around this device positioning. Methodology: From September 2020 to August 2021, 243 polyurethane midline catheters were inserted in paediatric and adult patients with a range of ages and genders and conditions. A modified seldinger technique was used. Findings: Early audit findings suggest that the MC device is a realiable and safe device for peripherally compatible drugs as the majority of these devices have dwelled for the length of treatment (full data will be available soon).

Citation

Phelps, J. (2022). The midclavicular catheter: a clinical audit. The Journal of Vascular Access, 23(1_suppl), 1–41. https://doi.org/10.1177/1129729822112923

DOI

10.1177/11297298221129234

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14709/660

License

Free access to article on publisher's webpage. Click DOI.

Usage rights

Free access to article on publisher's webpage. Click DOI.