Midline vs Peripheral IV Catheters for Difficult Intravenous Access
Trial Summary
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on testing different types of IV catheters, so it's unlikely that your medications would be affected, but you should confirm with the study team.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Long Peripheral Intravenous Catheter, Single Lumen Midline Catheter for difficult intravenous access?
Is it safe to use midline catheters for intravenous access?
Research shows that midline catheters are generally safe for providing intravenous access, with fewer complications compared to other types of catheters. Studies report low rates of complications like phlebitis (vein inflammation) and deep vein thrombosis (blood clots), and no infections were documented.12467
How is the treatment with midline and long peripheral intravenous catheters different from other treatments for difficult intravenous access?
Midline catheters are unique because they are inserted in the upper arm and are ideal for patients with difficult vein access, offering longer use with fewer complications compared to standard peripheral intravenous catheters. They provide a middle ground between short peripheral catheters and more invasive central catheters, making them a safer and more effective option for prolonged intravenous access.12578
What is the purpose of this trial?
Many patients in the emergency department have veins that are difficult to get an intrevenous (IV) catheter into (called "difficult IV access"). These patients may require other methods to obtain access to a vein for administration of the necessary medications. The 2-inch long IV is most commonly used in emergency departments for people with difficulty IV access. Typically, a healthcare worker will use an ultrasound to help to see the veins underneath the skin while inserting the IV into the vein. That is, the ultrasound helps the healthcare worker visualize veins that are deeper in the arm and may not be felt through the skin. Another device that can be used is a 4-inch midline catheter. This device is less commonly used as many emergency departments do not have participants available, but it serves the same purpose as the 2-inch long IVs (that is, to give medicine into the vein and sometimes to take blood). A 4-inch midline catheter is similar to a 2-inch long IV, but has a few differences. First, the 4-inch midline catheter is even longer than the 2-inch long IV. The 4-inch midline catheter is 10-cm (about 4-inches or the size of 4 quarters side-by-side), while the 2-inch long IV is 4.78-cm (nearly 2-inches or two quarters side-by-side). Second, the 4-inch midline catheter is inserted into using a guidewire to help move the catheter in the vein (similar in concept to a train moving along a track), while the 2-inch long IV does not have this guidewire. The guidewire does not hurt and most do not know it is being used. It is just an additional step to help guide the catheter in the vein. The investigators are conducting this research study to determine which catheter is better for patients with difficult IV access: the 4-inch midline catheter or the 2-inch long IV.
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for patients in the emergency department who have veins that are hard to access for IV insertion. It's not specified who can't join, but typically those with certain health conditions or previous complications related to IV access might be excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either a long peripheral intravenous catheter or a single lumen midline catheter, with procedures performed in the emergency department.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for catheter survival, complications, and patient satisfaction.
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Long Peripheral Intravenous Catheter
- Single Lumen Midline Catheter
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Albany Medical College
Lead Sponsor