What is the Difference Between Peripheral and Central Venous Catheter?

The main difference between peripheral and central venous catheters lies in their insertion site, size, and purpose. Here are the key differences:

Peripheral Venous Catheter:
Inserted into a vein in the hand or arm.
Smaller in size and shorter than a central venous catheter.
Typically used for the administration of fluids, drugs, or nutrients when other routes are unavailable.
Includes devices such as peripheral cannulae, midline, and mini-midline catheters.
Central Venous Catheter:
Inserted into a large (central) vein in the neck, upper chest, or groin.
Longer, with a larger tube, than a peripheral venous catheter.
Can deliver fluids into a larger vein, allowing for rapid administration of drugs, chemotherapy, or nutritional support.
Can be used for direct blood pressure measurement, frequent blood samples, and connection to a hemodialysis machine.
Can remain in the body for a longer period of time than a peripheral venous catheter.

There are two types of central venous catheters: tunneled and non-tunneled. A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is one type of central venous catheter, but it is not used for dialysis.

Complications can be associated with both peripheral and central venous catheters, but they are generally considered more clinically relevant in central venous catheters than in peripheral ones.

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What is the Difference Between Peripheral and Central Venous Catheter?

Comparative Table: Peripheral vs Central Venous Catheter

Here is a table comparing the differences between peripheral venous catheters and central venous catheters:

Feature	Peripheral Venous Catheters	Central Venous Catheters
Definition	Peripheral venous catheters are vascular access devices placed in peripheral veins, such as those in the arms or hands.	Central venous catheters are vascular access devices placed in central veins, such as the superior vena cava, right atrium, or inferior vena cava.
Tip Location	The tip of the catheter is not located in the superior vena cava, right atrium, or inferior vena cava.	The tip of the catheter reaches the superior vena cava, right atrium, or inferior vena cava.
Indications	Peripheral venous catheters are generally used for IV fluid administration and medication infusion.	Central venous catheters are used for the administration of intravenous medications, chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition, and hemodynamic monitoring.
Examples	Short peripheral catheters (butterfly needles), midline catheters, and mini-midline catheters.	Central venous catheters include subclavian, jugular, and femoral vein catheters.
Risks	Lower risk of complications compared to central venous catheters.	Higher risk of complications compared to peripheral venous catheters.

In summary, peripheral venous catheters are generally used for simpler intravenous access and have a lower risk of complications, while central venous catheters are used for more complex procedures and have a higher risk of complications.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.