What is the length of time that a peripheral or central line can be left in a patient?
The Arrow Central Venous Catheter (CVC) is indicated to provide short-tern central venous access for the treatment of diseases or conditions requiring central venous access. The Arrow Peripherally inserted Central Catheter (PICC) is indicated for short or long-term peripheral access to the central venous system. Per the FDA, short-term indication is any dwell time less than 30 days and long-term indication is anything greater than 30days. Every patient and clinical situation is different. Clinicians should evaluate the need for venous access against the patient’s daily therapy regiments. Regardless of device indication, evidence based recommendations should be followed. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) Guidelines for the Prevention of Intravascular Catheter-Related Infections¹ recommend the following regarding line “dwell” time for CVC, PICC and Hemodialysis Catheters: • Promptly remove any intravascular catheter that is no longer essential. Category 1A recommendation • When adhere
