What is a peripheral venous catheter?: Understanding this common medical device

October 5, 2025 •

3 min read

Over one billion peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) are used annually worldwide, making insertion one of the most common invasive procedures in healthcare. A peripheral venous catheter is a small, flexible tube placed into a superficial vein, typically in the arm or hand, to provide temporary access to the bloodstream.

Quick Summary

A peripheral venous catheter is a small, short catheter inserted into a peripheral vein, typically in the arm or hand, for short-term intravenous therapy. It facilitates the administration of fluids, medications, and blood products while allowing for blood sample collection.

Key Points

Definition: A peripheral venous catheter is a short, flexible tube inserted into a superficial vein, usually in the arm or hand, for temporary access to the bloodstream.
Primary Uses: It is used for administering fluids, medications, and blood products, as well as for drawing blood samples.
Size (Gauge) Variation: Catheter sizes are measured in gauges, with larger numbers indicating smaller diameters. The appropriate size is chosen based on the patient’s veins and the required flow rate.
Distinction from Central Catheter: Unlike central venous catheters (CVCs) which are for long-term use and enter a large central vein, PVCs are for short-term use in peripheral veins.
Potential Complications: Common risks include phlebitis (vein inflammation), infiltration (fluid leaking into surrounding tissue), occlusion, and hematoma.
Removal Process: When no longer needed, the catheter is removed by withdrawing it and applying pressure to the insertion site to stop bleeding.

What is a peripheral venous catheter?

A peripheral venous catheter (PVC), also widely known as a peripheral intravenous (IV) line or cannula, is a short, hollow, and flexible tube inserted by healthcare professionals into a patient’s peripheral vein. These veins are located near the skin's surface, commonly in the hand or arm, providing direct access to the bloodstream for delivering various substances. PVC insertion is one of the most frequently performed procedures in medical settings.

Core functions and common uses

PVCs establish temporary vascular access for short-term therapy, serving a variety of essential functions in patient care, including:

IV Fluid Administration: Delivering hydration or correcting electrolyte imbalances with intravenous fluids.
Medication Delivery: Administering medications directly into the bloodstream.
Blood Transfusions: Providing blood products to patients.
Diagnostic Imaging: Injecting contrast media for procedures like CT scans.
Blood Sample Collection: Obtaining blood for laboratory testing.

The peripheral catheter insertion procedure

PVC insertion is a standard procedure performed by most healthcare providers under aseptic conditions. The general steps are:

Preparation: The provider explains the procedure, cleans their hands, and gathers necessary equipment such as the catheter, antiseptic, and dressing.
Site Selection: A suitable peripheral vein is located, often in the hand or forearm, preferably away from joints.
Application of Tourniquet: A tourniquet is applied to make the vein more visible.
Cleaning and Insertion: The skin is cleaned, and the catheter, containing a needle, is inserted into the vein.
Placement and Removal of Needle: Upon confirming vein access with a blood flashback, the catheter is advanced, and the needle is removed.
Securing the Catheter: The catheter is secured with a dressing or tape, and an IV line or saline lock is attached.

Understanding catheter sizes (gauges)

PVC size is measured using the Birmingham gauge system, where a smaller gauge number indicates a larger diameter. The choice of gauge depends on factors like the patient's needs, vein condition, and the type of infusion.

Common PVC gauge sizes and their uses:

14-16 Gauge (Orange/Gray): Used for rapid, high-volume fluid delivery in emergency situations.
18 Gauge (Green): Standard size for general use, including surgery, rapid fluid infusion, and blood transfusions.
20 Gauge (Pink): A common size for routine infusions and blood draws.
22 Gauge (Blue): Suitable for standard medications, maintenance fluids, and patients with smaller veins.
24 Gauge (Yellow): The smallest size, often used for pediatric and elderly patients with delicate veins.

Peripheral vs. central venous catheters

Peripheral and central venous catheters both provide vascular access but differ in placement, duration, and use. A central venous catheter (CVC) is a longer, thicker catheter placed in a large central vein, with its tip near the heart, used for long-term therapy or irritating medications. PVCs are for short-term use in peripheral veins.


Feature	Peripheral Venous Catheter (PVC)	Central Venous Catheter (CVC)
Insertion Site	Small, peripheral veins in the extremities (e.g., hand, arm).	Large central veins in the chest, neck, or groin.
Catheter Length	Short (typically < 3 inches).	Long, with the tip reaching a large vein near the heart.
Duration of Use	Short-term (typically removed after a few days to minimize complications).	Long-term (can remain in place for weeks, months, or years).
Medication Type	Used for non-irritating drugs and routine fluids.	Necessary for irritating medications, chemotherapy, or long-term IV therapy.
Risk of Infection	Lower risk of serious infection compared to CVCs.	Higher risk of systemic infection due to direct access to a central vein.
Insertion Procedure	Performed by nurses and other trained staff at the bedside.	Requires a more involved procedure, often involving a surgeon or radiologist.
Flow Rate	Limited flow rates based on gauge size.	Allows for higher flow rates and simultaneous delivery of multiple substances.

Common complications and removal

Despite being generally safe, PVCs can lead to complications such as phlebitis (vein inflammation), infiltration or extravasation (fluid leakage into tissues), occlusion (blockage), hematoma (bruising), and local infection. Regular monitoring of the insertion site is essential. Catheters are removed based on medical orders or if complications occur. Removal involves carefully removing the dressing, withdrawing the catheter, and applying pressure to stop bleeding. The catheter is then checked for completeness.

Conclusion

Peripheral venous catheters are essential medical devices for delivering various therapies safely and efficiently. They are widely used for short-term intravenous access. Understanding their function, insertion, gauge sizes, and potential complications is crucial for effective care. Proper catheter selection and monitoring help maximize the benefits of IV access while minimizing risks. Organizations like the Infusion Nurses Society offer valuable resources for clinical practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

A peripheral venous catheter is the medical device used to create an IV (intravenous) line. The terms are often used interchangeably, but the catheter is the small, flexible tube inserted into the vein, while an IV refers to the overall therapy or line established for fluid or medication delivery.

A peripheral venous catheter is intended for short-term use and is typically replaced every few days to minimize the risk of complications like infection and phlebitis. Specific duration depends on patient condition and hospital protocols.

The most common sites for PVC insertion in adults are the veins in the back of the hand and the lower part of the arm, such as the cephalic or basilic veins. For children, scalp veins may sometimes be used.

Insertion can cause a brief, sharp pinch or stinging sensation as the needle enters the skin. Discomfort during the procedure can vary, and some patients may experience mild pain or tenderness at the site afterward.

Infiltration means that the intravenous fluids or medication have leaked out of the vein and into the surrounding subcutaneous tissue. This can cause swelling, coolness, and pain at the insertion site.

Common gauges include 14-16G for rapid emergencies, 18G for surgery and blood, 20G for routine infusions, and 22-24G for slower infusions and pediatric patients or those with fragile veins. The smaller the number, the larger the catheter diameter.

In most healthcare settings, registered nurses and other trained and certified healthcare professionals can insert peripheral venous catheters. The procedure is typically performed at the patient's bedside.