PICC Line

echoes · 06-13-2007, 14:16

Greetings.

I hope it is okay to ask this here. (I did use the search function first.)
I was curious if anyone has ever used/had one of these? After a few days of trying an IV on tiny veins, this has been proposed as the last result.

Thank You for any replies.

Holly

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PICC_line
Peripherally inserted central catheter
(Redirected from PICC line)

"Correct position of PICC line on chest x-rayA peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC or PIC line) is a form of intravenous access that can be used for a prolonged period of time, e.g. for long chemotherapy regimens, extended antibiotic therapy or total parenteral nutrition."

Sdiver · 06-13-2007, 14:30

I see them quit often. Almost everyday in fact. Transporting Pts. to dialysis, and also quit a few of the elderly in Nursing homes have PIC lines, mostly due to the fact, as you stated having smaller veins, in which to start an IV.

The procedure is usually an outpatient procedure, sometimes done in the ED/ER. They're usually found in the upper arm area or just below the clavicles, in the upper chest area.

It's usually a swift procedure and once you have a patent site on a Pt., you're GTG, for quit awhile.

Hope this helps.

echoes · 06-13-2007, 14:49

Thanks Sdiver.

Sis is in for surgery, and we are down to the last hours, and no IV person has been able to make the IV stick.

We're just anxious about it, it sounds invasive.

Holly

Sdiver · 06-13-2007, 15:23

Holly,

I had a feeling that's what/who it was for. Not to worry though, she'll make it alright.

Let her know we're all pulling for her......

.....and she still owes me a dance......when she's ready.

echoes · 06-13-2007, 15:37

Sdiver,

Thank You.

Holly

**Roguish Lawyer** · 06-13-2007, 19:45

My son has one. They are great. Nothing to worry about.

18C/GS 0602 · 06-14-2007, 06:50

echoes-

PICC lines are very safe. A lot of the time they are placed under ultrasound guidance and are typically not more painful than putting in a regular IV. Like others have mentioned we use them when a person is going to need prolonged IV access. They have a lower complication rate, and are less invasive than central access, which is the last step if all else fails. Let us know if you have any other questions. Good luck.

echoes · 06-14-2007, 08:05

RL--I hope your son is doing well. Sis went in last night and they put her to sleep with gas, and the surgery folks put an IV in her foot instead of a PIC. Never seen that before. Recovering now, gtg so far.

bdonham--Thank You for the information. The unknown can be scary sometimes.

Holly

**Razor** · 06-14-2007, 21:48

If its for long-term use, be sure to flush it regularly with saline, and finishing each infusion with a heparin 'lock' is a good way to play it safe and keep the line clear. Having a one-way valve on the distal end makes life a bit easier and more comfortable, as you don't have to deal with the external plastic clamps. Wrapping your arm in plastic wrap before every shower in order to keep the dressing dry is a real PITA, though.

Wish your sister well for me, Holly.

echoes · 06-15-2007, 06:22

Razor, will do. Thanks for that information.

Holly

**The Reaper** · 06-15-2007, 07:34

Can't add anything medically, but best wishes and prayers out for Kristy, and for you.

TR

**Roguish Lawyer** · 06-15-2007, 07:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Razor

If its for long-term use, be sure to flush it regularly with saline, and finishing each infusion with a heparin 'lock' is a good way to play it safe and keep the line clear. Having a one-way valve on the distal end makes life a bit easier and more comfortable, as you don't have to deal with the external plastic clamps. Wrapping your arm in plastic wrap before every shower in order to keep the dressing dry is a real PITA, though.

Wish your sister well for me, Holly.

All true. We use 3cc saline followed by 2cc heparin. The one way valves are key -- they make it really easy.

CoLawman · 06-15-2007, 08:46

prayers out to your sister Holly. RL your son is still in my prayers as well.

echoes · 06-15-2007, 08:49

TR--Thank You.

RL-Thank You for that information. Overnight her IV failed, again. (Her foot looks like a football.)

Found a vein in her arm, so no PIC yet. Good to know for the future, though.

Slow-going, but fingers crossed.

Holly

swatsurgeon · 06-18-2007, 07:41

only thing to add is hand exercises....racketball or tennis ball...promotes venous return and decreases chances for blood clots in arm. Small risk overall unless patient is not moving at all, but may as well make the risk even less.
ss