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What is a PICC
Line and Why Do I Need It?
A PICC line is, by definition
and per its acronym, a peripherally inserted central
catheter. It is long, slender, small, flexible tube
that is inserted into a peripheral vein, typically in
the upper arm, and advanced until the catheter tip terminates
in a large vein in the chest near the heart to obtain
intravenous access. It is similar to other central lines
as it terminates into a large vessel near the heart.
However, unlike other central lines, its point of entry
is from the periphery of the body – the extremities.
And typically the upper arm is the area of choice.
A PICC line provides
the best of both worlds concerning venous access. Similar
to a standard IV, it is inserted in the arm, and usually
in the upper arm under the benefits of ultrasound visualization.
Also, PICCs differ from peripheral IV access but similar
to central lines in that a PICCs termination point is
centrally located in the body allowing for treatment
that could not be obtained from standard periphery IV
access. In addition, PICC insertions are less invasive,
have decreased complication risk associated with them,
and remain for a much longer duration than other central
or periphery access devices.
Using ultrasound technology
to visualize a deep, large vessel in the upper arm,
the PICC catheter is inserted by a specially trained
and certified PICC nurse specialist. Post insertion
at the bedside, a chest x-ray is obtained to confirm
ideal placement. The entire procedure is done in the
patient’s room decreasing discomfort, transportation,
and loss of nursing care.
A PICC line may requested
for a variety of treatment options which include some
of the following:
-Prolonged IV antibiotic
treatment;
-IV
access obtainable by less invasive and longer lasting
methods;
-Multiple
accesses obtainable with one access line;
-TPN
Nutrition;
-Chemotherapy;;
-IV
access related to physiological factors; and
-Home
or sub-acute discharge for extended treatment.
PICCs are frequently
used to obtain central venous access for patients in
acute care, home care and skilled nursing care. Since
complication risks are less with PICC lines, it is preferred
over other forms of central venous catheters. A PICC
is not appropriate for all patients. Proper selection
to determine the appropriateness of this device is required.
The PICC may have single
or multiple lumens. This depends on how many intravenous
therapies are needed. A PICC line can be used for antibiotics,
pain medicine, chemotherapy, nutrition, or for the drawing
of blood samples. PICCs can be inserted by radiologists,
physician assistants or certified registered nurses.
They are inserted using ultrasound technology at the
bedside or ultrasound wit fluoroscopy. Chest radiographs
are also used to confirm placement of the PICC tip if
it was not inserted using fluoroscopy.
The consumer health information
on this Website is for informational and educational
purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice
or treatment for any medical conditions.
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