Complication Rates of Central Venous vs Midline Catheters in Hospitalized Adults

This study aims to compare complication rates between two types of catheters used in hospitals: central venous catheters (CVCs) and midline catheters. Every year, millions of these catheters are used in the United States, and they can sometimes lead to infections or other issues like blood clots. While some alternatives like peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) have been tried, they also come with risks. Midline catheters, which don't extend as far into the body as CVCs or PICCs, have shown promise in reducing these complications. This research seeks to learn more about the safety and effectiveness of CVCs compared to midline catheters, as no large-scale studies have been conducted on this topic before. The trial will take place at a single urban academic center, involving adult patients who require certain medical support. These patients will be randomly assigned to receive either a CVC or a midline catheter. The study will last for a year, and the decision to participate will be made in the emergency department, where a clinician will discuss the trial with the patient. If the patient agrees, they will sign a consent form before the catheter is placed. The goal is to gather information on the rates of complications like infections or blood clots associated with each type of catheter, as well as any potential differences in patient outcomes.