Peripheral venous catheters (PVC) are most commonly used invasive devices in critical care unit. Insertion of PVC causes local inflammation of veins and thrombus formation i.e. thrombophlebitis. It may lead to other complications like pain, anxiety, and therapy interruption and can potentially lead to serious complications (e.g pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, septicemia, formation of nodule and cellulitis, skin necrosis, infective endocarditis).^[1-4] The incidence of thrombophlebitis phlebitis is around 7–44% in PVC. ^[5-8] Geriatric patients often present with vein stiffness, either as a result of clinical conditions such as atherosclerosis or other conditions brought on by aging. Furthermore, they often present a pathology requiring the use of anticoagulants. In these cases, it may be hard to place a peripheral venous catheter due to the fragility of vein walls, and may be damaged more easily. Furthermore, the risk of phlebitis is significantly higher in these patients. It must be remembered that elderly patients are more likely to suffer infections due to the natural deterioration of their immune system. Increasing hygiene and disinfection measures and looking out for any symptoms of thrombophlebitis is crucial in these cases.

     So, we decided to study incidence of PVC induced thrombophlebitis in geriatric patients in critical care unit.