Advantages of Peripherally Inserted Catheters

There are two types of peripheral inserted catheters. Peripheral intravenous lines (PIV lines) are small catheters that are inserted into a small vein, usually in the hand, arm, or foot to provide fluids or medications. Peripherally inserted central catheter lines (PICC lines) are catheters inserted into a small peripheral vein in the arm and fed through larger veins until the catheter tip rests near the heart, according to PICC Line Nursing. Peripheral inserted catheters are easier to insert, have lower risk of complications, and are easier to remove than central lines. Central lines are inserted into a vein in the chest or neck and the catheter tip rests near the heart.

Insertion

• Peripherally inserted catheters do not require as intensive settings or practitioners when placed as central lines. A PIV line is usually inserted by a nurse using clean technique at the bedside. A PICC line is inserted by a specially trained nurse at the bedside or by a radiologist with ultrasound guidance under clean technique. A central line is inserted by a physician or physician's assistant under sterile technique, often in the operating room.

Complications

• Peripherally inserted catheters have less risk of complications than central lines. Common risk factors include infiltration, in which fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue, and a hematoma, in which blood leaks into the surrounding tissue, according to Columbia CNMTL. More serious complications such as an air embolus, in which air bubbles enter the vein, or a pneumothorax, in which the lung is punctured, are more common with central lines because the catheter is larger, according to Web MD.

Removal

• Peripherally inserted catheters can be removed at the bedside by a nurse. Direct pressure is held on the site for a short period of time. Central lines are usually removed by specialty nurses such as an IV team, or by physician's assistants. Direct pressure is applied for a longer period of time to prevent complications.