What are the Differences between PICC Line and Midline Catheter? 

Vascular access devices or catheters used for intravenous (IV) therapy are divided into Short peripheral catheters often referred as (PIV), midline catheters and central vascular access devices / central vascular catheters / central lines.

Short peripheral catheter:-

A short catheter which is up to 3 inches long and it is inserted into one of the superficial veins of an extremity.

Midline Catheter:-

A midline catheter is longer than 3 inches and it is inserted into the upper arm through the basilic, brachial or cephalic vein (larger veins of the UE), with the catheter tip located at the or near the level of the axilla and distal to the shoulder

As the catheter tip remains in the upper arm, midlines are peripheral catheters.  It may stay in place 28 days or longer, if no complications arise

Advantages of a midline Catheter:-

Inserting midline with accelerated Seldinger technique (AST) is faster, safer and simpler and it does not require all components of maximum sterile barrier precautions. Midline does not require catheter tip verification. Consider a midline catheter for medications and solutions such as antimicrobial, fluid replacement, analgesics with characteristics that are well tolerated by peripheral veins.

Infusion therapy standards of practice implicate not to use peripheral catheters for continuous vesicant therapy, parenteral nutrition and infusates with an osmolarity greater than 900 mOsm/L.

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC / PICC Line):-

PICC is “a catheter inserted through veins of the upper extremity or neck in adults and children; for infants may be inserted through veins of the scalp or lower extremity, catheter tip is located in the superior venacava (SVC), preferably at its junction with the right atrium (cavoatrial junction (CAJ), regardless of  insertion site” (INS 2016).

PICC is a central vascular catheter. So, you may use a PICC to administer any type of infusion therapy.

About PICC & Midline Insertion Training

Ultrasound Guided PICC and Midline Catheter Insertion Training 

Certificate of Completion with 14.0 CNE contact hours

This comprehensive, small group, hands-on training program teaches modified Seldinger technique (MST) to insert PICC and midline catheter. Upon completion of this 2-day hands-on training, attendees may begin supervised insertions and competency validation in a clinical setting according to the facility’s policy and procedures.

Target Audience

• RNs with peripheral IV insertion skills
• Advanced Nurse Practitioners
• Physicians and Physician Assistants
• Radiology Technologists
• Respiratory Therapists
• PICC inserters with no formal training and who wish to have documented training, advance skill and success rate

PLEASE NOTE: It is the attendee’s responsibility to be informed of their state’s professional regulations, scope of practice, and to practice according to their level of licensure and institutional policies and procedures.

Click to Register for PICC and Midline Catheter Insertion Training