Tittle: Ecoguided Short Midline catheters as a solution for patients with venous heritage problems.

Introduction: Current clinical practice is characterized by the importance of the patient care quality and safety and the need to reduce costs of treatments. In intravenous therapy we must look for alternatives that meet the patient's needs, reduce complications associated with the use of venous catheters, specially in patients with venous heritage problems.

Method: Descriptive analysis, based on the information taken from the GABEN database of 45 patients of the Hospital Arnau de Vilanova  from 2016 to 2019 who required peripheral venous access for IV therapy and who had difficulty insertion due to having veins surface difficult to palpate and/or visualize. A short 11cm Midline catheter was used with an Seldinger ultrasound technique, introducing 10cm into a basilic vein leaving the tip in an axillary vein and leaving 1cm of external length, and one 4Fr lumen. Patients were asked for level of satisfaction of the insertion of the placed catheter. Variables as success rate at first attempt, dwell time of catheter and level of patient satisfaction with the technique are described. Patients with morbid obesity and children under 16 have been excluded.

Results: Success rate at first insertion attempt was 98% of short Midline catheters, fulfilling their function during the time they were needed. The dwell time was between 4 weeks and 3 days depending on the cases and needs, and a 98% patient satisfaction level with the technique.

Conclusion: Evidence shows short midlines with ultrasound-guided placement performed with Seldinger technique offer patients to receive their treatment without the need for repeated venipunctions and a reduced risk of extravasation, mechanical phlebitis and a high degree of satisfaction.