Tag: Catheter safety

According to one meta-analysis, midline catheters might be associated with fewer patient-level bloodstream infections compared to PICC lines. Understanding this and other factors is crucial when asking, **Is a midline safer than a PICC line?** The answer is not simple and depends on the specific clinical context and patient needs.

Before the 1970s, many intravenous catheters were made of rigid metal, making insertion challenging and patient comfort low. Today, nearly all modern IV catheters are plastic, specifically engineered from advanced medical-grade polymers to be flexible, biocompatible, and safer for patients.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), patients with cognitive impairments like dementia or delirium are at particularly high risk for catheter self-extraction. Understanding **how do you prevent someone from pulling out a catheter** is crucial to prevent serious trauma, urinary tract infections, and other complications associated with accidental or intentional removal.

Approximately 80-90% of all hospitalized patients receive IV therapy, and selecting the correct catheter for specific procedures like contrast-enhanced imaging is paramount for safety. So, can IV contrast go through a midline? The answer is not a simple yes or no; it depends on the catheter's specific design, as a standard midline is not built to withstand the high-pressure injection required for many radiological studies, whereas a power-injectable model is.

Millions of people use catheters, and for many, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with physical activity is a top priority. However, certain movements can increase the risk of complications. It is crucial to understand what exercises should you avoid with a catheter to ensure your safety and comfort.

According to recent studies, approximately 3% of central venous catheter (CVC) placements are associated with major complications. Understanding what are the safety considerations for a central venous catheter is crucial for minimizing risks and ensuring proper management during insertion, care, and removal.