Prospective Evaluation of Complications of MidLine Catheters in the ICU

Midline catheters (MCs) are peripheral catheters inserted into a vein in the arm above the elbow crease, with the tip in the axillary vein. As such, they do not enter the central venous circulation and are therefore not considered central venous catheters.

The main complications associated with CM are accidental removal, leakage, subcutaneous diffusion and occlusion. Severe complications include deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and catheter-related bacteremia (CRB). There is very little data on the use of CMs in intensive care units (ICU).

Resuscitation patients are more likely to develop severe catheter-related complications such as deep vein thrombosis and catheter-related infections. While the use of CMs in patients appears to be associated with a low risk of complications, this may not be the case in resuscitation patients.

Investigator therefore proposes to conduct a prospective observational study to determine the frequency and type of complications associated with CMs when they are implanted and used in ICU. In addition, investigator will attempt to determine whether risk factors predictive of complications can be identified. In addition, this study will evaluate whether the use of CMs can reduce the duration of central venous catheter maintenance in the ICU and the risk of central venous catheter-related infections.