What is a characteristic of a midline peripheral catheter?

A midline peripheral catheter is characterized by its length, typically ranging from 7.6 to 20.3 cm. This specific length is significant as it enables the catheter to access deeper veins in the arm while remaining peripheral, as opposed to being a central line. Midline catheters are often used for an intermediate duration of therapy, usually lasting from several days to a few weeks, which is facilitated by their design and placement in larger veins.

The other characteristics of midline catheters further support their use: they are usually inserted into the upper arm, where the catheter tip resides in a peripheral vein rather than a central location, which is a requirement for central lines. As such, midline catheters are not designed for superficial veins, as they need to reach deeper structures while avoiding frequent dressing changes that are typically required of central line placements, which are subject to higher rates of infection.