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A midline catheter is a soft, flexible tube. It’s inserted into a vein in your arm. A midline catheter allows you to receive medications that could cause damage if given through one of the smaller veins in your arms or hands. A midline is typically usually used for therapies lasting less than one month.
You’ll need to take good care of your midline to help prevent problems like infections and a blocked catheter. To help, here are some safety tips you can review with your nurse.
Maintaining your Midline Catheter
Always make sure you’re working on a clean area when you care for your midline. Wash your hands as shown on your SASH Teaching Mat.
Protect the site. The exit site of your midline catheter should be covered with a sterile, clear dressing. This helps prevent infection and the tubing from being pulled out. The tubing not covered by the clear dressing should be taped alongside the clear dressing. This will allow you and the nurse to easily see the catheter exit site, which should always be visible.
Change your dressing. Your nurse will change the midline dressing and the injection cap(s) at the end of your catheter at least once a week. In some cases, your nurse may teach you or your caregiver how to change the dressing. Never use scissors to remove tape or dressing from around your site.
Flush your catheter. You and your caregiver will learn how to flush your midline after each use and as instructed when it’s not being used. This helps keep your midline open so you can continue to receive the medication you need.
Keep the site dry. You may bathe or shower if the site is protected with a water-resistant covering. If the dressing gets wet, change it right away. Call your nurse if you need any help or to replace the extra dressing supplies you used.
What to watch for
Call 911 if you have signs of air in your midline such as:
• Trouble breathing all of a sudden
• Cough or have pain in your chest, neck or shoulder that doesn’t go away
• Feel dizzy or confused
Call your clinician right away if you:
• Feel pain or see redness, swelling or drainage on the skin around your midline site
• Have a temperature greater than 100.4°F, or notice sweating, body aches or chills
• Notice your catheter is hard to flush
• Notice leaking when you flush the catheter or infuse your treatment
• See more of the catheter outside your body than usual
We’re here to help make sure you feel confident about caring for your midline. Call your clinician with any questions or concerns.
This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about your medical condition and prior to starting any new treatment. Coram assumes no liability whatsoever for the information provided or for any diagnosis or treatment made as a result.
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