PICC Line
Full form : Peripherally inserted central catheter
- It is a long catheter inserted in the vein near the elbow or middle of the upper arm.
- Basilic vein or cephalic vein can be used for insertion.
- Length is around 45 to 72 cms.
- It can have 1 to 3 lumens.
- PICC line has lesser rate of catheter related infections compared to central line placed in the neck or elsewhere.
Duration: Upto 6 months
Indications of PICC line are:
- Patients who require long term chemotherapy
- Regular blood and blood product transfusions
- Total parenteral nutrition
- Monitoring central venous pressure and repeat blood sampling.
- Patients with poor peripheral line access.
Contraindications of PICC line:
- Infections of skin
- Scar or burns at infection site
- Active bacterial infection in blood
- Prior lymph node dissection on the side of PICC insertion.
- Low platelets
- Patient refusal
Complications:
- Bleeding
- Blood clot
- Nerve injury
- Infection
- Irregular heart beat