Ultra-Long Peripheral Catheter Versus Accelerated Seldinger Technique Long Peripheral Catheter in Difficult IV Access Patients

Ultra Long Peripheral Catheter Versus Accelerated Seldinger Technique Long Peripheral Catheter in Difficult Intravenous Access Patients: a Pragmatic Randomised Controlled Trial

The aim of this study is to perform a comparative analysis of clinical outcomes associated with the use of an ultra-long peripheral catheter using (catheter-over-the-needle technique) versus an AST-long peripheral catheter in adult patients with difficult intravenous access (DIVA) in a real-world clinical setting. Specifically, the study will assess potential benefits, including longer mean catheter dwell time and improved catheter usability, as well as potential harms, such as increased incidence of catheter-related thrombosis, infections, phlebitis, infiltration, and unplanned catheter removal.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult inpatients with DIVA, requiring placement of a long peripheral catheter, will be included in the study.
• A digital request form for venous access must be completed by the treating physician at the ward.
• Patients must be proficient in either Dutch or French
• Patients must have decision-making capacity or be represented by a legal representative.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Expected therapy duration of less than 24 hours
• pregnancy
• Need for central venous access
• Inability to locate a deep peripheral vein in the upper extremity prior enrollment in the study
• Veins located deeper than 1.6cm prior enrollment in the study
• withdrawal of consent, or presentation at a time when study personnel are unavailable.