Use of long peripheral catheters in the infusion therapy of lung cancer patients

Objective: To investigate the applicability, safety, and efficacy of long peripheral catheters in the infusion therapy of lung cancer patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted to examine the baseline data, catheter placement procedures, associated complications, as well as the costs of catheter placement and maintenance among patients who underwent long peripheral catheter insertion in our lung oncology unit from June to December 2023. Results: The average catheterization time was approximately 20 min, achieving a success rate of 71.15% for a single puncture. The catheters remained in place for a duration ranging from 2 to 20 days, with a mean of 10.04 ± 4.61 days. During this period, there were three instances of venous thrombosis, eight cases of fluid leakage from the puncture site, four occurrences of occlusion, three cases of pain, and six instances of swelling at the puncture site. Notably, no cases of catheter-associated bloodstream infection, catheter fracture, or difficulty in catheter removal were reported. Complications in most patients appeared 7 days after insertion of the catheter, with only two patients experiencing complications within the initial 7-day period. The cost of catheter placement and maintenance varied between 654 and 742 RMB. Conclusion: The selection of an intravenous infusion route necessitates careful consideration, taking into account the patient’s preferences. If the patient receives a short-term infusion therapy, the infused drug is not vesicant, and the patient actively refuses to have a central venous catheter inserted, a long peripheral catheter may be a viable alternative to meet the needs of routine treatment of patients with lung cancer.