PICCs (preferably inserted central catheters) are venous catheters inserted peripherally and terminate in central veins such that they may be categorized as CVCs ( central venous catheters).
A form of intravenous access that can be used for a prolonged period of time.
Achieves nonpermanent yet durable venous access.
Initially developed for delivering total parenteral nutrition.
PICC lines are among the most common frequently encountered CVCs in non ICU patients.
PICC lines are safer to insert than CVCs, eliminate discomfort associated with phlebotomy and peripheral intravenous line changes, and provide extended and reliable venous access.
Placed in smaller peripheral veins of the upper extremity rather than large veins of the neck or chest.
Such lines avoid complications such as pneumothorax or injury to the great vessels.
Primarily serve delivery of short and long-term intravenous antibiotics and invasive hemodynamic monitoring
PICC lines are longer and more slender than conventional catheters.
PICC line complications include: tip migration, catheter occollusion, and device dislodgment which occurs 2-3 times more frequently than with central venous catheters.
An alternative to subclavian lines, internal jugular lines or femoral lines which have higher rates of infection.
Inserted in a peripheral vein, such as the cephalic vein, basilic vein, or brachial vein and then advanced through increasingly larger veins, toward the heart until the tip rests in the distal superior vena cava or junction of the superior vena cava and the atrium.
Inserted by using a sterile procedure with ultrasound, chest radiographs, and fluoroscopy to aid in their insertion and to confirm placement.
Generally can remain in place for longer than 30 days.
Complications may include catheter occlusion, phlebitis, bleeding, thrombosis and infection.
Associated with a 2.5 for greater risk of thrombosis than central venous catheters.
Can also be used to measure the Central Venous Pressure.
Related DVT may int2242upt venous therapy, may lead to phlebitis, vein stenosis, and pulmonary embolism.
Over the wire guidewire exchanges are performed for complication problems.
The use of over the wire guidewire exchanges are associated with increased thromboembolism.