• Adam Fabiani, Lorella Dreas, and Gianfranco Sanson.
• Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata, Strada di Fiume 447, 34148, Trieste, Italy.
• Heart Lung. 2017 Jan 1; 46 (1): 46-53.

ObjectivesTo analyze success rate, dwell-time, and complications of long peripheral venous catheters (L-PVCs) inserted under ultrasound guidance.BackgroundIn difficult venous access (DVA) patients, L-PVC can represent an alternative to central or midline catheters.MethodsProspective observational study. L-PVCs were positioned in DVA patients. The outcome of the cannulation procedure and the times and reasons for catheters removal were analyzed.ResultsA 100% placement success rate was documented. The catheter dwell-time was 14.7 ± 11.1 days. Most catheters were removed at end-use in the absence of complications. The rate of catheters appropriately or inappropriately removed before completing the intravenous therapies was 27.7/1000 catheter-days. Two thrombophlebitis (1.91/1000 catheter-days) and 1 catheter-related bloodstream infection (0.96/1000 catheter-days) occurred.ConclusionsL-PVC could be a viable solution in DVA patients, as it may reduce the need for multiple vein punctures, patients' discomfort, and nursing workload. A better adherence to catheter management recommendations should further reduce complications.Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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