Optimal catheter-to-vein ratios to prevent peripheral venous catheter failure

"About 36% of catheters fail before treatment completion, in part because of their insertion into veins not large enough to accommodate them. Peripheral veins, especially those in the hand and wrist, are typically narrow (1.8–2.3-mm diameter); this can be influenced by factors including previous vessel damage and sex (e.g. male veins are ∼0.5-mm greater in diameter in the hand than female veins)" Marsh et al (2025).

"About 36% of catheters fail before treatment completion, in part because of their insertion into veins not large enough to accommodate them. Peripheral veins, especially those in the hand and wrist, are typically narrow (1.8–2.3-mm diameter); this can be influenced by factors including previous vessel damage and sex (e.g. male veins are ∼0.5-mm greater in diameter in the hand than female veins)" Marsh et al (2025).

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Abstract:

Extract:

“Billions of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are purchased around the world, with the intravenous equipment market priced at $14.4 billion (USD) annually. About 36% of catheters fail before treatment completion, in part because of their insertion into veins not large enough to accommodate them. Peripheral veins, especially those in the hand and wrist, are typically narrow (1.8–2.3-mm diameter); this can be influenced by factors including previous vessel damage and sex (e.g. male veins are ∼0.5-mm greater in diameter in the hand than female veins).”

Reference:

Marsh N, Larsen EN, O’Brien C, Young ER, Peach H, Corley A, Ullman AJ, Keogh S, Rickard CM, Bulmer A, Ware RS. Optimal catheter-to-vein ratios to prevent peripheral venous catheter failure: a single-centre prospective cohort study. Br J Anaesth. 2025 Aug 5:S0007-0912(25)00465-9. doi: 10.1016/j.bja.2025.06.037. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40769843.