Final answer:
A PICC device should not be used for midline placement because it's designed for central venous access, not midline. Using it otherwise can lead to infections or other complications. Preventing infections is crucial, as they can lead to serious outcomes, including death.
Step-by-step explanation:
A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) device should not be used for midline placement because it is specifically designed for central venous access, not midline venous access. Midline catheters are shorter and terminate in larger veins of the upper arm, but do not extend into the central veins, which is where PICC lines terminate. Using a PICC line for midline placement could increase the risk of complications such as infection or thrombosis because the device is not intended for this use, and it does not reach the central venous system where it is designed to deliver medication or fluids effectively.
The risk of bloodstream infections with intravenous lines, including both PICC lines and midline catheters, is significant. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 80,000 catheter-related bloodstream infections occur annually in the US, and they result in approximately 20,000 deaths. These can occur when healthcare providers skip steps in the insertion process, increasing the likelihood of infections and potentially leading to longer illnesses, additional surgeries, or in severe cases, death.