Ultrasound Guided Midline Catheter Insertion and Its Associated Complications in ICU Of Lahore General Hospital

Objectives:  A midline catheter is a vascular access device that is frequently used among patients requiring long-term medications. Along with its benefits, it holds some complications during insertion and use. So, with this study, we aimed to determine the associated complications during the insertion and use of midline catheters among patients admitted to the ICU of Lahore General Hospital. Materials & Methods:  A cross-sectional study was conducted in the ICU of Lahore General Hospital including 70 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria and who required a midline catheter for further treatment. We recorded and analyzed the data of those patients, to whom we attempted to insert ultrasound-guided midline catheter. In this study, we observed the success rate of catheter insertion along with associated complications like hematoma, arterial puncture, occlusion of the catheter, dislodgement, edema, and thrombosis. Results:  Mean age of patients was 42.74 ± 10.48 years. The most common diagnosis at the time of catheter insertion was sepsis (52.9%). Median attempts for catheter insertion were 1 with (IQR 1 to 1, minimum 1; maximum 4). The success rate of the ultrasound-guided midline catheter insertion was 95.7%. Occlusion of catheters was frequently observed among 10.4% of patients. The arterial puncture was noted among four patients at the time of insertion. Thrombosis was observed in only one patient. Conclusion:  Ultrasound-guided midline catheter is beneficial and safe for ICU-admitted patients who need long-term treatment and use of Vasopressors.