ABSTRACT
Objective: Describe and compare dwell time and the causes of removal of midline and mini-midline catheters in two cohorts: COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. Method(s): Observational, retrospective and cohort study conducted in the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona, consulting the medical records of patients from March 1 to May 15, 2020 by the venous access nursing team. Result(s): 344 Catheters were inserted in 305 patients. In the Covid-19 cohort there were 88 patients and 96 catheters were placed, of which 84 were mini-midline and 12 midline. In the non-Covid-19 cohort, 248 catheters were placed in 217 patients, of which 217 were mini-midline and 31 midline. The mean duration of catheters inserted in the Covid-19 patient cohort was 12 days for mini-midline and midline and 11 days for mini-midline and 12 days for midline in the noncovid group. The main cause of removal in both groups was the end of treatment, significantly higher in non-Covid-19 patients. The second was decease in the Covid patient cohort and catheter occlusion in the non-Covid group, both with a statistically significant difference. Conclusion(s): Correct maintenance and care with adequate nursing staff rates might be keys to better preserve midline and mini-midline despite patient related characteristics.