iv lines, can someone plz explain all the differnces?

JROregon, ASN, BSN, RN · May 1, 2011

Wikipedia has some nice pictures and explanations. The normal IV lines are fine for infusions of normal saline and some drugs. PICC line catheters are inserted further up on the arm and the catheter is send up to a larger vein. These catheters can be left in longer for infusions of antibiotics and total parenteral feedings. Also look up central lines.

IVRUS, BSN, RN · May 2, 2011

what is the difference btwn all the different iv lines, like picc lines, vs the one in the forearm (just a regular iv?) i dont know, i have no clue...

1. A sort term peripheral IV catheter is a catheter that is less than 3 inches in length. Most states will allow a LPN/LVN to place these IV cahteters with appropriate education behind them.

2. A midline is an IV catheter which usually starts in the ACF region and is then advanced or threaded into the upper arm with the tip being just below the axillary vein. These IV catheters are 3-8 inches in length and are placed usually by a registered nurse or MD. Infusion Nurses Society (INS) recommends a dwell time of 2-4 weeks.

3. A PICC is 40-60 cm in length and if it's placed using traditional methods, it starts in the ACF and then is threaded all the way into the SVC, making it a central IV catheter. These catheters can dwell indefinetly as long as there aren't any complications. If it's placed using ultrasound, you'll see the entry in the inner aspect of the upper arm.

4. A percutaneously placed non-tunnelled IV catheter would be one like a triple lumen with entry into the subclavian, or jugular or femerol and threaded into the SVC, or in the case of a femerol catheter, IVC. These are placed by the MD and have high infection rates, so the are not long term catheters.

5. A tunnelled IV catheter is on where the exit site is 2-12 inches below the clavicle and they have a special cuff which is an intergal part of the IV catheter and it allows skin to grow in and around this cuff. This occurs in usually 2-3 weeks, which then makes accidental dislodgement difficult. (Removal of a tunnelled or cuffed catheter is a medical act-MD to remove)

6. An implanted port can be single or double lumen and it is placed surgically under the skin while the patient is under anesthesia. Ports are great for those requiring IV access, and are accessed usually by an RN. They can withstand anywhere from 500 -2000 punctures. The variance is dependant on the size of the non-coring needle used. The bigger the needle, the more damage to the septum.

Hope this helps. :cool: