When venous access is required for a few weeks or a few months (medium term), a peripheral access is sometimes indicated, provided that the device does not require the possibility of repeated blood sampling or the infusion of solutions that are not peripherally compatible. An example of indication for peripheral venous access may be a patient in palliative care in which there is indication only to hydration and administration of analgesics; or a patient who requests periodic transfusions of blood or blood products (immunoglobulins, coagulation factors, etc.) at home; or a patient in OPAT (outpatient antimicrobial therapy) who receives antibiotics compatible with the peripheral route.
In all other cases, if there is an indication for repeated daily blood sampling or infusion of solutions not compatible with the peripheral route (chemotherapy, strongly hyperosmolar parenteral nutrition, antibiotics irritating the endothelium, etc.) it will be appropriate to resort to a central venous catheter.