What do you call an IV catheter? Understanding the Various Names and Types

According to StatPearls, over one billion intravenous (IV) lines are used annually worldwide, making it one of the most common medical procedures performed. So, what do you call an IV catheter? The name often depends on its type, location, and intended use, leading to a variety of terms used by healthcare professionals.

Quick Summary

An intravenous (IV) catheter is commonly called an IV line, IV cannula, or IV access. The specific name can vary based on its type, such as a peripheral IV, PICC line, or central line, each serving different medical needs and duration of use.

Key Points

• Commonly Called 'IV Line': While technically an IV catheter, the device is most often simply called an IV line or sometimes an IV cannula.

• Name Depends on Type: The specific name (peripheral IV, PICC, central line) is based on the device's location and purpose, such as short-term peripheral access versus long-term central access.

• Peripheral IV for Short-Term Use: The most common type of IV is a peripheral IV, typically inserted into a hand or arm vein for short-term fluid and medication administration.

• Central Lines for Long-Term Needs: For extended treatment, a central venous catheter (like a PICC or port) is used, with the tip ending in a large central vein near the heart.

• Cannula is an Alternate Term: 'IV cannula' is another term, referring to the flexible plastic tube that remains in the vein after the initial needle is withdrawn.

• Terminology Ensures Safety: The use of precise medical terms helps healthcare providers select the correct access device for the treatment, ensuring patient safety and effective care.

Common Names for an IV Catheter

While "IV catheter" is the technically correct term, healthcare professionals and patients alike often use several other names. The most common and simple term is an "IV line." Other frequently used names include:

• IV cannula: This term is widely used, particularly in many parts of the world outside the United States. A cannula is essentially a flexible plastic tube inserted into a vein using a sharp needle, which is then removed, leaving the soft tube in place.
• Peripheral IV: This refers to the most common type of IV catheter, inserted into a peripheral vein, usually in the hand or arm. This is a short-term access device for fluids, medication, or blood products.
• Peripheral venous catheter (PVC): A more formal, clinical term for the peripheral IV.
• Peripheral intravenous access: This refers to the overall procedure of establishing a peripheral IV line.

Understanding these different names is crucial for patients and healthcare providers to ensure clear communication and proper care. While a patient may refer to it as their "drip," medical staff will use a more precise term to specify the type of device and its function.

Types of IV Catheters and Their Distinct Names

Beyond the basic IV line, catheters are categorized based on where they are inserted and how long they will be used. These distinctions are critical for patient care and explain why a single term is not always sufficient.

Peripheral IV Catheters (PIVCs)

• Common Use: Short-term use, typically for a few days.
• Location: Small veins in the arm, hand, or sometimes the foot.
• Insertion: A short, flexible catheter is placed over a needle. The needle is withdrawn, leaving the catheter in the vein.

Midline Catheters

• Common Use: Medium-term use, for a few weeks.
• Location: Inserted into a peripheral vein in the upper arm, but the tip ends in a larger vein below the armpit.
• Benefits: Lasts longer than a PIVC and is suitable for certain medications, though not all.

Central Venous Catheters (CVCs)

CVCs are for long-term or high-volume infusions and are inserted into a large vein, with the tip ending near the heart. There are several types of CVCs, each with its own name:

• PICC Line (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter): A long catheter inserted into a vein in the arm, with the tip guided into the superior vena cava near the heart. Used for weeks to months for treatments like chemotherapy or long-term antibiotics.
• Implanted Port (Port-a-cath, Mediport): A small reservoir placed under the skin, usually in the chest, with a catheter attached that goes into a central vein. A needle is used to access the port through the skin. It can remain in place for years.
• Tunneled Catheter (Hickman, Groshong): A catheter is tunneled under the skin before entering a central vein. This method is used for long-term access and reduces the risk of infection.
• Non-tunneled Catheter: A temporary CVC inserted directly into a central vein in the neck (jugular), chest (subclavian), or groin (femoral) for immediate or critical care.

A Comparison of IV Access Devices

Feature	Peripheral IV (PIVC)	Midline Catheter	PICC Line	Central Line (Non-tunneled)
Placement	Peripheral vein (hand/arm)	Peripheral vein (upper arm)	Peripheral vein (arm)	Central vein (neck/chest/groin)
Catheter Length	Short (3-6 cm)	Medium (15-25 cm)	Long	Varies (but longer)
Tip Location	Peripheral vein	Peripheral vein (axilla or subclavian)	Superior Vena Cava	Superior Vena Cava or Inferior Vena Cava
Duration	Short-term (days)	Medium-term (weeks)	Long-term (weeks/months)	Short-term (days/weeks)
Insertion	Needle over catheter	Modified Seldinger technique	Bedside or radiology	Bedside or radiology
Infection Risk	Low	Low	Moderate	High

Why So Many Names?

The variety of names for IV catheters exists to provide precision in medical communication. For a healthcare provider, knowing the exact type of venous access is critical for several reasons:

• Appropriate Treatment: Certain medications, especially those that are highly concentrated or irritating to smaller veins, must be delivered through a central line to prevent damage to the vein.
• Duration of Therapy: The name indicates the expected duration of use. A peripheral IV is removed after a few days, whereas a PICC line or port is meant for prolonged therapy.
• Risk Management: Different devices carry different risks. Central lines, for instance, have a higher risk of infection and require specific management protocols.
• Patient Safety: Using precise terminology prevents mistakes in medication administration and patient care. For instance, a medication prescribed for a central line should never be infused through a peripheral IV.

How an IV Catheter is Placed

The placement process varies significantly depending on the type of catheter. A standard peripheral IV is a common procedure, while central lines are more complex and require a higher level of training.

Peripheral IV Placement

1. Preparation: The healthcare provider selects a vein, typically in the arm or hand, and cleans the site with an antiseptic wipe.
2. Insertion: A tourniquet is applied to make the vein more prominent. A needle with the flexible catheter is inserted into the vein.
3. Catheter Advancement: Once the vein is punctured, the needle is pulled back while the soft, flexible catheter is advanced into the vein.
4. Securement: The catheter is secured with tape or a special adhesive dressing, and the IV line is connected.

Central Line Placement

Central lines, such as PICCs or tunneled catheters, are placed using more advanced techniques and often with ultrasound guidance to ensure proper placement and minimize complications.

Conclusion

While the simple term "IV line" is common, the world of intravenous access is much more detailed, with specific names like peripheral IV, PICC line, and central venous catheter. The correct terminology is a cornerstone of patient safety, guiding healthcare providers to deliver the right treatment through the right device for the appropriate duration. For anyone involved in healthcare, from a patient to a professional, understanding these distinctions is key to a successful medical experience. For more in-depth information, you can visit the National Cancer Institute's dictionary which offers extensive medical term definitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common type of IV catheter?

The most common type is a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC), which is a small, short catheter inserted into a peripheral vein, usually in the hand or forearm.

Is an IV catheter the same as an IV cannula?

Yes, for the purpose of a peripheral IV, the terms are often used interchangeably, though 'cannula' is more common in some regions. A cannula is the flexible plastic tube that remains in the vein.

What is the difference between a peripheral IV and a central line?

A peripheral IV is inserted into a small, peripheral vein for short-term use, while a central line is inserted into a large, central vein (near the heart) for long-term or high-volume infusions.

What is a PICC line?

A PICC line is a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter. It's a long, thin tube inserted into a vein in the arm, with the tip ending near the heart, used for medium to long-term IV therapy.

Why do some patients need a central venous catheter?

Patients may need a central venous catheter for long-term treatment, to administer medications that are harsh on smaller veins, for frequent blood draws, or when they have difficult-to-access peripheral veins.

How is an IV catheter secured?

An IV catheter is secured with adhesive tape or a transparent dressing to keep it in place. For more robust access devices like central lines, additional securement methods may be used.

Can I go home with a central IV catheter?

Yes, it is possible for patients to go home with certain types of central IV catheters, such as PICC lines or implanted ports, and receive treatment at home with proper training and support.