Table 3.

Types of central lines indicated for OPAT in Brazil.

Type of central line	Indication	Duration	Characteristics
Valved peripherally inserted central catheter (valved PICC)	Antimicrobial treatment with estimated duration longer than 14 days	Up to 6 months	- Cost-effective - Easy insertion - Lower incidence of infection - Lower risk of air embolism and reflux - Higher safety for homecare therapy
Tunneled semi-implanted central catheter	Antimicrobial treatment with estimated duration longer than 14 days	Up to 6 months	- Surgical implantation - Open extremity - Blockage using heparin solution is needed - Low risk of infection - 2nd choice for treatment, when insertion of PICC is not possible
Totally implanted central catheter	Antimicrobial treatment with estimated duration longer than 14 days	Up to 5 years	- High cost - Surgical implantation - Blockage using heparin solution is needed - Access through Huber needle, replaced every seven days - High risk of infection with daily manipulation (generally indicated for chemotherapy against cancer, which requires less manipulation) - Indication only for OPAT should be avoided

OPAT, outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy.