A peripheral intravenous line ( PIV) is a small, short plastic tube, called a catheter, that is placed through the skin into a vein, usually in the hand, elbow, or foot, but occasionally in the head.

WHY IS A PIV USED?

A PIV is used to give fluids and medications to a baby.

HOW IS A PIV PLACED?

After sterile wash of the skin, a small catheter with a needle inside is placed through the skin into the vein. Once the IV is proven to be in the vein, plastic IV tubing is connected to the catheter. Not all PIVs will require fluid to constantly go through them. Those that do not have continuously running IV fluid may be referred to as “hep-locked.” This means that part of the catheter has been flushed with a small dose of heparin to keep the catheter clear, then turned off to prevent infusion.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF A PIV?

PIVs may be very difficult to place, especially if your baby is very chubby, very sick, or very small. In some cases, placement may not be successful, and another therapy is needed.

PIVs may fail after only 1-2 days. They may be changed from time to time to decrease the risk for infection.

If a PIV comes out of the vein and the fluid enters the tissue, the IV is said to have “infiltrated.” This can cause the skin and tissue to get very irritated, occasionally causing a tissue burn.