Understanding PICC Lines: Essential Information for Patients and Caregivers

Full form: Peripherally inserted central catheter

• It is a long catheter inserted in the vein near the elbow or middle of the upper arm.
• A 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 a lesser rate of catheter-related infections compared to the 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 the infection site
• Active bacterial infection in the blood
• Prior lymph node dissection on the side of PICC insertion.
• Low platelets
• Patient refusal

Complications:

• Bleeding
• Blood clot
• Nerve injury
• Infection
• Irregular heartbeat