EXPRESS: Effect of Vein Characteristics and Operator Experience on Intravenous Catheter Insertion Success in Cats in an Emergency Room.

Vein visibility and operator experience >500 insertions optimize feline PIVC success.

This prospective study evaluated factors influencing first-attempt peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) success in 95 cats (97 insertions) presenting to an emergency room. Overall first-attempt success rate was 85.6%. Most procedures involved cephalic veins and 22G catheters. Univariable analysis demonstrated that operator experience significantly affected success rates; those with 8-15 years experience and >500 prior insertions showed higher success compared to less experienced operators. Vein visibility was strongly associated with success (OR 7.78), while palpability was not. Catheter size, target vein selection, and indication for catheterization did not significantly influence outcomes. In the final multivariable model, only vein visibility (OR 8.0) and >500 prior insertions (OR 13.24) remained independently predictive of success. These findings underscore the importance of operator training and careful vein assessment in feline emergency medicine, suggesting that experienced practitioners with thorough vein evaluation achieve superior catheterization outcomes in cats.

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