Comment: This study basically reviewed the experience in a particular institution of the usefulness of peripherally inserted venous catheters. Of interest to this reviewer was the fact that there were catheter-related problems in 21%. These included phlebitis, local infection, venous thrombosis, etc. However, despite the fact that 1 of 5 catheters failed to provide the long-term venous access that was desired, 4 of 5 did. In these very ill and, in some cases, terminal patients the overall efficacy rate was still high