Extract:
“To our knowledge, no comprehensive systematic review has directly compared midline catheters with PICCs using exclusively randomized controlled trial (RCT) data. Importantly, current international recommendations lack systematic review evidence that adequately considers the technical specifications of midline catheters, particularly catheter length and tip location, which are critical determinants of device performance and complication profiles. The heterogeneity in midline catheter definitions across studies and guidelines has contributed to inconsistent recommendations and clinical uncertainty. By synthesizing high‐quality RCT evidence with careful attention to device characteristics, this review will provide a foundation for reconsidering and refining current international recommendations regarding appropriate midline catheter selection criteria, including optimal length ranges and clinical indications. This review will address a significant gap in the literature, potentially improving clinical decision‐making, standardizing practice, reducing unnecessary central venous catheterization, preserving vessel health, and optimizing patient outcomes. Such evidence is essential for developing comprehensive vascular access algorithms that incorporate patient, therapy, and resource considerations to guide clinicians in selecting the most appropriate device for individual patients.”
Reference:Yasuda H, Shinzato Y, Abe M, Miura S, Tomida M, Saito M, Terasaka Y. Midline catheters versus peripherally inserted central catheters for intravenous therapy in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2026 Jan 15;1(1):CD016316. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD016316. PMID: 41537434; PMCID: PMC12805634.