In intensive care units (ICUs) across the country, a significant clinical shift is underway: the increased use of peripheral intravenous (PIV) access for vasopressor administration. Traditionally, vasopressors—potent medications used to stabilize blood pressure—have been delivered via central lines due to the risk of tissue damage if these medications leak outside the vein. However, inserting a central line is invasive, costly, and carries a high risk of infection.
Most hospital protocols allow vasopressor administration through a PIV for no longer than 24 hours, primarily due to the fear of an infiltration going undetected. But this approach presents its own set of risks. If a vasopressor infiltrates surrounding tissue due to IV failure, it can cause serious complications, including tissue necrosis and limb ischemia, which has clinicians hesitant to deliver vasopressors peripherally, not to mention that the patient is not receiving the correct dosage, which presents its own complications.
However, the alternative central venous catheters (CVCs) are associated with a host of complications, the most concerning of which is Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI).
Not only do these infections endanger patients, but they also pose a significant financial and reputational burden for healthcare institutions:
· Each CLABSI incident can cost $45,000 or more¹
· Hospitals are required to report CLABSI rates to CMS and other regulatory bodies
· CLABSI events can negatively impact hospital ratings and reimbursements
To reduce reliance on central lines, hospitals and clinicians are looking to increase their PIV dwell times for short-term vasopressor delivery with confidence, and ivWatch is playing a pivotal role in this effort.
ivWatch supports safe peripheral vasopressor use through continuous, real-time monitoring of peripheral IVs, using advanced biosensor technology combined with a predictive algorithm, to detect early signs of infiltration. This allows clinicians to identify and act on potential issues before clinical signs appear.
With ivWatch in place, hospitals are considering extending PIV vasopressor dwell times to 48 or even 72 hours. This expanded window reduces the need for central line placement, especially in patients who may only require short-term vasopressor support.
Explore the Clinical and Economic Possibilities:
· Enhanced Patient Safety: Early detection of infiltration minimizes the risk of tissue injury, supporting safer use of vasopressors peripherally.
· Cost Savings: Avoiding central line insertions and preventing CLABSI events translates into substantial cost reductions.
· Reduced CLABSI Rates: Fewer central lines mean fewer opportunities for bloodstream infections—a win for patients and hospital infection control metrics.
· Improved Workflow Efficiency: With ivWatch providing an added layer of monitoring, nursing staff can feel more confident managing PIVs in high-acuity environments.
· Patient Comfort: Avoiding an invasive central line makes for a less traumatic experience and improves overall patient satisfaction.
The rising use of peripheral vasopressors—driven by cost pressures, patient safety concerns, and the push for improved quality metrics—is prompting hospitals to rethink their protocols. Many are now looking to incorporate ivWatch into their standards of care to support this shift safely, transforming what was once considered a high-risk decision into a clinically sound alternative. As this trend accelerates, continuous monitoring technology like ivWatch is becoming essential—not just to enable safer peripheral administration, but to manage resources more effectively, and help hospitals reduce infection risk which improves patient outcomes. It’s a win for patients, clinicians, and the entire health system.
Ready to explore how ivWatch can support your ICU goals?
1 https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/810372