Abstract
Some inpatients and outpatients require venous access for more than two weeks. Midline and PICC catheters are inserted from the peripheral vein and can remain in use for up to six months.
Long-term devices include tunnelled central venous catheters and fully implanted ports. All catheters should be routinely inserted under ultrasound guidance and are most often used for application of parenteral nutrition, chemotherapy, antibiotics or infusions.
Catheters should be inserted and cared for in specialized centres. Acute complications include catheter malposition, trauma of the vessels, and rarely pneumothorax.
Chronic complications include catheter infection, site infections, and venous thrombosis.