The Use of Extended Dwell Peripheral Intravenous Catheters in Neonates to Decrease IV Attempts

An extended dwell peripheral intravenous catheter (EDPIV) is a catheter that is placed in the arm or leg of an infant with the tip terminating in a larger peripheral vessel. This results in longer dwell time, less chance for infiltration, fewer pokes and less pain and suffering for the infant. Ideally, the infant would receive a traditional short PIV catheter immediately after birth followed by placement of an EDPIV catheter for the duration of IV therapy. The University of Utah NICU introduced EDPIV catheters in late 2017 with the goal of decreasing all IV attempts in qualifying neonates.