“Complications of IV catheter therapy are simply the result of one complex and highly variable mechanical system—IV catheter equipment design, placement, use and care—being applied to a second complex and highly variable system—the ailing human body.”¹

— Dr. Robert E. Helm

A complication is defined as an observable event that disrupts the intravenous (IV) catheter, interupts delivery of IV solution or physically harms the patient.² These complications can be mechanical or infectious.²

IV complications can interrupt and delay treatment for underlying medical disorders and affect patient outcomes.³ They may increase morbidity and mortality.³ They also impact healthcare professionals because the time they spend managing complications could be saved to focus on better patient care.