What is a PICC?
PICC stands for peripherally inserted central catheter. It is a type of IV (intravenous) line. It is a thin, flexible tube inserted into a vein in your upper arm. A PICC can be about 15-24 inches long, but it is trimmed to the length perfect for you.
A PICC can remain in place for weeks, months, or even years, if needed. The PICC can be placed for a variety of different reasons. Usually, it is for one or more of the following reasons:
IV medications that may cause damage to the smaller veins in our arms
Long-term IV treatments such as the need for IV antibiotics, chemotherapy, or frequent transfusions
In a hospital setting for those whose veins are difficult to access, to help with IV treatments and blood draws
IV fluids used for nutrition or hydration in cases where the fluids cannot be absorbed through the mouth or the stomach
How is a PICC Inserted?
The PICC will be inserted by a specially trained healthcare professional. They will use
ultrasound to assess your veins and to choose the most appropriate vein for the PICC.
The skin around the insertion site will be numbed. Then a needle will be used to access your vein. The PICC can then be threaded into your vein.
Once it is in place, the PICC will be secured with a securement device and covered with a clear dressing.
Before it can be used, the location of the tip needs to be confirmed. This is often done during the procedure with EKG technology. But sometimes a chest x-ray will be needed.
How to Care for Your PICC
There are several things you can do to help protect your PICC.
Clean hands. It is very important that anyone who touches the PICC wash their hands with soap and water (or an alcohol-based solution) prior to using/accessing your PICC.
Keep it dry. The PICC and it’s dressing also need to be kept clean and dry.
The dressing of the PICC should adhere completely to the skin. If you notice the dressing is beginning to come up around the edges or is not sticking very well, notify your healthcare provider right away.
Never submerge your PICC in water.
Protect the lumen(s). Your PICC has an external portion that is not covered by the dressing. This is called the lumen. The lumen is used to administer the IV treatment required. It is important to protect this lumen and prevent it from being pulled.
Avoid activities requiring vigorous or repetitive arm movements such as golf, bowling, and weightlifting.
Avoid contact sports.
Be cautious when pushing, pulling, or lifting. Be sure not to lift anything over 8 pounds.
Keep the lumen away from pets and kids.
Don’t be afraid. While you do need to be cautious with your PICC, it is also important that you are not afraid of the line. Continue using your arm for all your daily living activities. Continue living.
When to Ask for Help
By following the above guidelines, you will experience little to no complications from the PICC. Before your PICC is placed, the healthcare professional will discuss the risks and potential complications which should be weighed against the benefit of having a PICC. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider right away:
Arm swelling
Redness at the insertion site
Unexplained fever
A rash at or around the dressing
Continued pain
Excessive bleeding
Sudden difficulty breathing
Chest pain
A PICC has many benefits and can be lifesaving. Taking care of the line will help it to last for the duration of your treatment and will help prevent complications. Mighty Well along with the Association for Vascular Access created a video series which is a great resource for becoming comfortable with your PICC. Mighty Well also offers products and support for those requiring a PICC (or other central access) on a long-term basis.
Sources:
https://irsa.com.au/treatments/peripherally-inserted-central-catheter-insertion/ Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board