Untoward events associated with use of midterm i.v. devices

The placement of a peripheral i.v. device causes increased stress for many individuals, sometimes causing temporary and self-limiting responses, described as vasovagal reactions. Report monitoring has identified adverse experiences that exceed anticipated reactions to stress and that may be life threatening. Untoward events have been reported during or immediately after insertion of midterm peripheral i.v. devices made of an elastomer/hydrogel polymer. Although the cause of these reactions remains unclear, it is a reminder that to identify and evaluate device-related issues, untoward events must be assessed, treated, evaluated, documented, and reported.