Abstract
Background: The geriatric patients admitted to Postacute Care Facility (PAF) often need the prolonged application of infusions and intravenous medicaments. The introduction of a reliable vascular device is therefore an important part of their management.
Methods: Evaluation of feasibility, effectiveness and safety of 20cm long midline catheter inserted to the patients in PAF during years 2017-2019 by nurses of vascular team. Results: Two hundred and seventy patients admitted to PAF have been indicated for insertion of midline catheter.
In 15 patients (5.5 %) midline catheter could not be inserted due to absence of a suitable vein during ultrasound examination. Two hundred and ninety midline catheters were inserted to 255 patients who were 81.5+-5.8 years old (range 66 94).
No complication during catheter insertion was recorded. Median of midline catheters dwelling time was 32 days (range 2-142).
The complication was recorded in 58 midline catheters (5.8/1000 catheter days). The catheter dislodgment was present in 35, catheter obstruction in 9, local inflammation in 7, catheter infection in 3 and thrombosis in ipsilateral vein in 6 patients.
Conclusion: Midline catheter is a suitable vascular device for the elderly patients in PAF who need the prolonged peripheral vascular access.