The Clinical and Economic Burdens of Infiltration and Extravasation with Peripheral Intravenous Catheters: A Contemporary Narrative Review

Abstract

Infiltration and extravasation are complications of peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) use, and some of the most common causes of catheter failure. The objective of this contemporary review is to characterize the incidence, risk factors, and clinical and economic consequences of PIVC-related infiltration and extravasation, as well as strategies for prevention. Recent evidence demonstrates that infiltration incidence ranges from 13% to 20%. Extravasation is less frequent, with a reported incidence of up to 4.5%. There are numerous patient and procedure-related factors that increase the risk of infiltration and extravasation, which are caused by