Abstract
BACKGROUND: Venous access is a vital component of medical care for hospitalized patients, especially patients who present with difficult intravenous access and require long-term hospitalization. A promising solution for these challenges is the use of long peripheral catheters. This report highlights our experience with an innovative, easily inserted, over-the-needle-long peripheral catheter. METHODS: A retrospective, observational study included patients admitted to internal medicine departments and underwent a new long peripheral catheter insertion. We provide data on patient characteristics, indications for long peripheral catheter insertion, insertion success rates, dwell times, and complications rates. RESULTS: The study included 109 patients with a total of 128 long peripheral catheters. The leading indications for long peripheral catheter insertion were IV administration of antibiotics and vasopressors. A first-time user inserted 65% of long peripheral catheters on the first attempt, with an average insertion time of 131 ± 11 s. Success rates increased in parallel with experience gained (p < 0.05). The average dwell time was 8.8 ± 0.63 days. The long peripheral catheter was removed as the therapy was completed in 33.5% of the patients. The complication rate was 13/1000 catheter days, including dislodgement, occlusion, phlebitis and infiltration. In addition, 23 individuals were successfully discharged with the long peripheral catheter to complete therapy at home. The long peripheral catheters was used to draw blood in 28 patients and for vasopressor administration in 22 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The new long peripheral catheter provides a safe, rapid, and effective means of venous access. Its straightforward insertion technique, convenience, and suitability for "point of care" use make it a valuable option for patients requiring continuous intravenous therapy.