Objective To explore the application effect of abduction and arm lifting position combined with modified skin expansion method in midline catheter placement for patients in neurosurgery intensive care unit. Methods A total of 163 inpatients undergoing midline catheter placement in neurosurgery intensive care unit were divided into a control group (78 cases) and an experimental group (85 cases) chronologically.The control group was placed midline catheter by using conventional position and skin expansion method, while the experimental group was placed midline catheter by utilizing abduction and arm lifting position combined with modified skin expansion method. Results The one-time success rate of sheath delivery in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group, its bleeding amount of the incision within 24 hours was lower than that in the control group, and its frequency of catheter maintenance within 48 hours after catheterization was significantly lower than that in the control group (all P＜0.05). Conclusion Application of abduction and arm lifting position combined with modified skin expansion method in midline catheter placement of patients in neurosurgery intensive care unit is beneficial to improve the one-time success rate of sheath delivery, reduce the amount of bleeding and the frequency of catheter maintenance.