Making the Most of Midlines

A Retrospective Review of Outcomes

Abstract

Decision-making for vascular access device selection is becoming increasingly complex as new technologies come to market and efforts to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections increase. This retrospective review of 165 midline catheter outcomes was undertaken after a cluster of unexpected failures occurred in a large academic medical center in the southeastern United States. Mean dwell time for midline catheters was 8.5 days; 62.8% lasted to therapy completion, and complications occurred in 15.8%. A quality improvement initiative including implementation of a blood return algorithm and standard education for unit staff reduced infiltration and thrombosis complications.