Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC)
What is a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)?
A device used to draw blood and give treatments, such as intravenous fluids, drugs, or blood transfusions. A thin, flexible tube is inserted into the vein in the upper arm and guided into a larger vein above the superior vena cava. A needle is inserted into a port outside the body to draw blood or give fluids. A peripherally inserted central catheter can stay in place for weeks or months and helps avoid the need for repeated needle pokes. It’s also called PICC.
How Is A PICC Inserted?
- The area where the PICC goes in will be cleaned and numbed.
- The PICC line is inserted into a vein using an ultrasound to guide where the line goes.
- The thread of the PICC line goes up to a large vein near the heart.
- A shot is given of medicine to numb your skin.
- During this process, the needle puncture site is made a little larger with a scalpel.
- There is a chance for stitches but not in every case.
- Putting in a PICC line takes about 15–20 minutes.
After the Catheter is Placed
After the placement, it is normal to have a little pain or swelling around near the site for a couple of weeks. Take it easy. Its important to stay away from strenuous activity. If you have any questions be sure to ask a NEVA professional for help.
Are There Any Risks to a PICC Line?
In most cases there are no problems with PICC line. Issues typically happen when the line gets infected or stops working. Very rarely, a PICC line can cause a blood clots. Our NEVA team review the risks with families before placing the PICC line.
After some practice, taking care of your catheter gets easier. It is best to have a friend, family member, caregiver, or NEVA team member help you.