Catheters Buyer’s Guide: When to Choose CVC v PICC?

Procurement in healthcare is rarely simple. It’s not just about buying supplies - it’s about supporting care delivery. Central venous catheters (CVCs), Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs), tunneled vs. non-tunneled devices, the use cases for each and the volume required, all inform purchasing decisions. 

While clinicians are focused on patients, the procurement team is working to make sure they’ve got the right tools at the right time, for the right scenarios.

This guide aims to simplify that process. We’ll break down the differences between central line vs PICC, go over when to consider tunneled vs non-tunneled catheters, and help you make more confident decisions around inventory and vendor selection.

PICC Lines: Long-Term IV Therapy

You’ve probably seen PICC lines listed often in long-term care or outpatient departments. They’re usually inserted into a vein in the upper arm and advanced until the tip reaches a central vein in the chest, near the heart.

For patients needing extended IV therapy, of several weeks or more - PICCs are often a more manageable option. Delivering chemotherapy drugs, long-term antibiotics, or total parenteral nutrition, PICC lines are made for that kind of task.

Some key features of PICC lines:

• Materials that are easy on the body -  reducing the chances of irritation or infection.
  
  
• Echogenic tips - which help with ultrasound placement.
  
  
• Multi-lumen options -  which allow for multiple drugs or fluids to be given without needing more than one line.

Clinically, they’re less invasive than traditional central lines, and from a staffing perspective, they’re often placed by trained nurses, not always a physician, so scheduling and access can be a little more flexible.

Central Venous Catheters: For Critical Situations

When speed matters or a patient is unstable, CVCs are utilized to deliver critical care.

CVC lines are inserted into larger, central veins, commonly the jugular or subclavian, and they’re frequently used in ICUs, ERs, and operating rooms. They can be used for everything from high-volume fluid delivery to pressure monitoring or blood draws.

MAP Medical offer a wide range of CVCs with important features:

• Kink-resistant tubing that maintains flow, even under stress.
  
  
• Secure connectors to help prevent dislodgement.
  
  
• Sterile, one-time-use packaging for infection control.
  
  
• Flexible size and lumen options to meet various patient and procedure needs.

CVCs are a more immediate, high-capacity solution, ideal for short-term but high-intensity use. CVCs are typically used for a few days up to a few weeks, while tunneled CVCs are suitable for longer term use. 

CVC vs PICC: How Do You Choose?

This comes up often, and for good reason: CVC vs PICC isn’t always a black-and-white decision.

Here's a rough breakdown:

• PICC is best when you’re planning for longer durations of therapy—several days to weeks, or more. They’re easier to maintain and are often a better fit for patients outside the ICU.
  
  
• CVC is more appropriate for short-term critical care, especially when the patient needs fast, multi-lumen access and continuous monitoring.
  
  

Each line has a role to play, and most facilities keep both on hand to meet different needs.

Central Line vs PICC: Not Just Semantics

A PICC is a central line, technically speaking. The tip of both types ends in the central venous system. But when clinicians refer to a "central line," they’re usually talking about a CVC placed in the neck or chest.

For procurement, the distinction matters because it reflects urgency, placement complexity, and infection risk:

• CVCs need more invasive placement—usually by a physician—and are typically used short-term in acute care.
  
  
• PICCs are less invasive, used longer-term, and often handled outside high-acuity environments.
  
  
• Maintenance is different too: properly cared-for PICCs generally have a lower infection risk.
  
  

It’s not about one being a better design, it’s about which one makes sense for the situation.

Tunneled vs Non-Tunneled Catheter: What’s the Difference?

This part doesn’t get as much attention as it should in procurement conversations, but it’s critical for clinical fit.

• Tunneled catheters are inserted under the skin and then into a central vein. This tunneling pathway helps reduce infection and makes them better for long-term use—oncology, for example.
  
  
• Non-tunneled catheters are placed directly into the vein. They’re faster to insert and are commonly used for short-term needs, like in trauma care or during major surgery.
  
  

If your facility covers both acute and chronic care, it’s smart to stock both. That way, clinicians don’t have to compromise on device choice when timing and safety are key.

What to Watch for When Purchasing

Catheters aren’t just about the product in the box—they’re part of a broader clinical system. Here are some buying tips based on what’s worked well in real-world hospital settings:

• Check device compatibility with your existing IV pumps, dressings, and flushing protocols.
  
  
• Stock a variety—different lengths, lumens, and sizes mean you’re ready for both pediatric and adult cases.
  
  
• Ask vendors about training. Good suppliers offer support with insertion protocols, troubleshooting, and even CE-approved workshops.
  
  
• Don’t skip quality standards. Look for ISO-certified production and documented clinical performance data.
  
  

Sometimes the cheapest product on paper costs more in rework, complications, or downtime.

Why Work With MAP Medical? 

MAP Medical has earned trust in a lot of facilities because we don’t just supply products, we offer strategic solutions that make sense for clinical realities.

We supply PICC and CVC catheters made with modern materials, smart design features, and options that match the way care is delivered. We understand procurement, and what logistics teams and buyers need too. With a range of over 150 product lines in our CVC catheter range and 240 product SKUs in the PICC category, we are able to offer diverse sourcing from multiple manufacturers and a varying price points. This enables a stronger, more robust supply chain for our customers.  

Understanding the details of central line vs PICC, CVC vs PICC, or even tunneled vs non-tunneled catheter types can be technical, but the nuances matter. Getting the right mix of catheters into the right hands improves safety, cuts delays, and makes clinical work more efficient.

When you align your procurement strategy with reliable partners like MAP Medical, you’re enabling improved care for patients.