Transition from Non-peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheters to Midline Catheters in a Hospice Ward: A Retrospective Observational Study of Utilization Patterns and Clinical Outcomes

Abstract

Objective: To examine changes in utilization patterns and clinical outcomes associated with the transition from non-peripherally inserted central venous catheters (CVCs) to midline catheters (MLCs) in a hospice ward. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 69 patients who underwent CVC or MLC insertion in the hospice ward of St. Francis Hospital between July 2017 and July 2025 (CVC group, n=28; MLC group, n=41). Results: In the CVC group, catheter removal due to death accounted for 89.3% of cases, and the median catheter dwell time was 33.5 days. In the MLC group, catheter removal due to non-death causes, such as accidental removal and occlusion, was observed, and the median dwell time was significantly shorter than that in the CVC group (15.0 vs. 33.5 days, p<0.001). The median overall survival was 33.5 days in the CVC group and 26.0 days in the MLC group, with no significant difference between the groups (p=0.816). Conclusions: Despite the risk of removal related to accidental dislodgement or catheter occlusion, midline catheters did not adversely affect prognosis and may serve as a feasible option for venous access in hospice wards.