Our IR department is placing "micro introducer catheters" and calling them "midlines". This cathter they tell me is the same catheter they use when they insert a PICC, but in this case they do not end up with a PICC, only the introducer.
Is this "off label" use okay and safe? And should the care and maintenance be the same as the new Power Glide Pro midlines?
Thank you, dee
Safey is the issue! Indeed the introducer is the same as what is used to introduce a PICC. However, the introducer catheter is made of a different polymer that is stiff. Some may be made of Teflon. Regular short peripheral catheters were made Teflon only for many years. Studies demonstrated that Teflon produces more complications and a short dwell time when compared to polyurethane. Now most all PIVs are made of polyurethane because it softens from body heat and produces less phlebitis, etc. Find out what material is used to make the introducer catheter they are using. Then find studies of that material. You will not find any studies of using an introducer in this manner. What dwell time are you expecting from these catheters? I would also track that carefully along with the complications. The other issue is length. Can they actually place this in a location that allows for a correct midline tip location? Off-label use? Yes technically but of lesser importance than the other issues IMHO. Lynn
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
Thank you so much for this answer and for the guidance. I will look up the material.
Dee
dee morrisond