Receive one of two types of IV catheters placed by emergency nurses

What is this trial?

When patients come to the emergency department needing an IV line but have veins that are hard to access, nurses need to choose the best device to use. This trial is comparing two options: a midline catheter (a slightly longer catheter placed in a medium-sized vein) versus a long peripheral IV catheter (similar to a standard IV but longer). Both will be placed using ultrasound to help the nurse see the vein. The goal is to figure out which device works better for patients with difficult vein access.

About 1 in 10 emergency patients have difficulty getting IV access, which can delay their treatment and keep them in the emergency department longer. Multiple failed attempts to place an IV can be painful and stressful for patients. Right now, there are no clear guidelines about which type of catheter works best in the emergency setting, so nurses make choices based on their own experience. This trial will help answer that question.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 18 years old or older
you are coming to Albany Medical Center's emergency department and need an IV line
you have difficult vein access, either because you've already had two failed IV attempts or because you have a medical condition that makes IV access harder (such as a history of dialysis, sickle cell disease, or previous difficulty getting IVs)
you previously needed more than two IV attempts at another hospital visit, or needed a special rescue device like a PICC line or central line after failed IV access

You likely don't qualify if…

you are under 18 years old
you are not able to speak English
you are pregnant or unable to consent to the study
you don't have a suitable vein that can be seen on ultrasound
you have severe injury or burns on both arms that would prevent safe catheter placement

What participation looks like

If you join this trial, you will be randomly assigned to receive either a midline catheter or a long peripheral IV catheter, both placed by a trained emergency nurse using ultrasound guidance. The nurse will explain the procedure and get your permission before starting. The entire process typically happens during your emergency department visit and takes just a few minutes. The study team will monitor how well the IV works while you're in the hospital.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 22, 2026 · Not medical advice

Comparing two IV catheter types for patients with difficult vein access

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)