Our IR physician will place a dilator instead of PICC for IV access and calls it a Midline. Is this appropriate, and if it is how long can it be left in place as an access.
It is absolutely **not** appropriate. The introducer/dilator is made of a stiff material, usually PTFE which has much greater rates of complications. These devices are not the same length as a true midline. There are far too many risks with this practice beginning with the fact that it is an off label use.
It is absolutely **not** appropriate. The introducer/dilator is made of a stiff material, usually PTFE which has much greater rates of complications. These devices are not the same length as a true midline. There are far too many risks with this practice beginning with the fact that it is an off label use.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
www.hadawayassociates.com
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861