Fine bore silicone rubber and polyurethane catheters for the delivery of complete intravenous nutrition via a peripheral vein.

The aim of the study was to evaluate two fine bore catheters for the delivery of complete intravenous nutrition (IVN), of osmolality 1250 mosm/kg, via a peripheral vein. 50 patients were randomised to receive either a 23G silicone rubber catheter or 22G polyurethane catheter. The median duration of feeding was 9 days for silicone rubber catheters and 10 days for polyurethane catheters. Silicone rubber catheters developed complications significantly more frequently (44%) than polyurethane catheters (22%, p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the median life span of the catheters removed because of complications, nor in the daily risk of thrombophlebitis. 92% of patients who were fed through a polyurethane catheter required only a single catheter for the duration of IVN. The peripheral venous route should be the first choice when the administration of IVN is considered for a period of less than 2 weeks.