PICC tubing, or peripherally inserted central catheter (sometimes called percutaneously inserted central catheter) is a medical device that allows continuous access to the blood stream at a time for up to six months. It can be used to deliver intravenous (IV) fluids or drugs, such as antibiotics or chemotherapy, and to draw blood or perform blood transfusions.
Pronounced “pick”, the thread is usually inserted through a vein in the upper arm and then through the great central vein near the heart.
Most facilities only allow standard IVs to be kept for three to four days before removing and placing new IVs. Over the course of many weeks, PICC can significantly reduce the number of venipuncture you have to tolerate intravenous insertion.
Like standard intravenous injections, the PICC line allows drugs to be injected into the blood, but the PICC is more reliable and durable. It can also be used to provide large amounts of fluids and drugs that are too irritating to the tissues to be administered through standard intravenous injections.
When a person is expected to receive intravenous drugs for a long time, the PICC line can be used for multiple purposes. The PICC line may be recommended for the following treatments:
The PICC wire itself is a tube with a guide wire inside to reinforce the tube and make it easier to penetrate the vein. If necessary, the PICC cord may be cut short, especially if you are petite. The ideal length allows the wire to extend from the insertion site to where the tip is in the blood vessel outside the heart.
The PICC line is usually placed by a nurse (RN), physician assistant (PA) or nurse practitioner (NP). The operation takes about an hour and is usually done at the bedside of a hospital or long-term care facility, or it can be an outpatient operation.
Choose a vein, usually by injection to numb the insertion site. Clean the area thoroughly and make a small incision to access the vein.
Using aseptic technique, gently insert the PICC wire into the container. It slowly enters the blood vessels, moves up the arm, and then enters the heart. In many cases, ultrasound (ultrasound) is used to determine the best location for PICC placement, which can reduce the number of times you “stuck” during the placement of the line.
Once the PICC is in place, it can be secured to the skin outside the insertion site. Most PICC threads are sutured in place, which means that the tubes and ports located outside the skin are held in place by sutures. This prevents the PICC from moving or being accidentally removed.
Once the PICC is in place, an X-ray is performed to determine if the thread is in the proper position in the blood vessel. If it is not in place, it may be pushed further into the body or pulled back slightly.
PICC lines have some risks of complications, including those that are serious and potentially life-threatening. If the PICC line develops complications, it may need to be removed or adjusted, or additional treatment may be required.
PICC tubing requires regular maintenance, including regular replacement of sterile dressings, flushing with sterile liquid, and cleaning of ports. Preventing infection is key, which means keeping the site clean, keeping the bandages in good condition, and washing hands before touching the ports.
If you need to change the dressing before you plan to change the dressing (unless you change it yourself), please contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Your healthcare provider will also let you know which activities and sports to avoid, such as weightlifting or contact sports.
You will need to cover their PICC station with plastic wrap or waterproof bandage to take a shower. You should not wet the PICC area, so swimming or immersion of your arms in the bathtub is not recommended.
The removal of the PICC thread is quick and usually painless. Remove the suture thread holding the thread in place, and then gently pull the thread out of the arm. Most patients say it feels strange to remove it, but it is not uncomfortable or painful.
Once the PICC comes out, the end of the production line will be checked. It should look the same as it was inserted, with no missing parts that might remain in the body.
If there is bleeding, place a small bandage on the area and keep it for two to three days while the wound is healing.
Although PICC lines sometimes have complications, the potential benefits often outweigh the risks, and they are a reliable way to provide medication and monitor health. Repeated acupuncture irritation or sensitivity in order to receive treatment or draw blood for testing.
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Velissaris D, Karamouzos V, Lagadinou M, Pierrakos C, Marangos M. The use of peripherally inserted central catheters and related infections in clinical practice: literature update. J Clinical Medical Research. 2019;11(4):237-246. doi:10.14740/jocmr3757
Post time: Nov-11-2021