Peripherally-Inserted Central Catheter

Why is this procedure done?

A peripherally-inserted central catheter is often called a PICC. It is a long, thin, flexible intravenous (I.V.) line or catheter. The catheter is placed into a small vein in your upper arm. It is moved forward until it is in a larger vein near your heart. An x-ray is done to make sure the tip of the PICC line is in the right place before it can be used. PICC lines are used: ‚

If you need to have drugs or fluids for a few weeks or months
When drugs need to be given through an I.V. and the veins in your arm are very hard to find
To draw blood for tests

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What will the results be?

With a PICC line, you may be able to get the nutrients, fluids, and drugs you need. It may be less painful if you do not have to have as many needlesticks for I.V.s or blood tests. ‚

What happens before the procedure?

Your doctor will take your history. You may need to have some blood tests before getting a PICC line. Talk to the doctor about: ‚

All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
If you are not able to have drugs that make you numb. These drugs are used when you have stitches or dental work (Lidocaine, Xylocaine, or Novocain).
Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.

What happens during the procedure?

The PICC is put in by specially-trained doctors or nurses. This may be done in your hospital room or in a treatment area. You may be given a drug to help you relax.
You will lay your arm on a table or pillow.
The area on the arm will be cleaned with special soap.
Sterile towels and sheets will be placed over your arm and body. The staff will wear face masks, hats, gowns, and gloves. This helps to prevent an infection.
You may be given a drug in your arm to make the area numb where the PICC is going to be put in.
The staff may use an ultrasound machine to guide the PICC into the vein. The line is put into your arm and slid into position in a large vein near your heart.
When the procedure is done, the PICC is flushed with salt water called saline. Caps are placed on the end of the PICC. This helps to keep the ends clean and helps keep germs out.
You will have a special bandage over your PICC. This keeps it clean and keeps the PICC from moving.
The staff will write the date on or near your bandage once the PICC is put in.
The procedure will take 30 to 60 minutes.

What happens after the procedure?

Your PICC line may be used right away after the doctors are sure it is in the right place. Your doctor may order an x-ray to make sure that the PICC is exactly where it needs to be.
You can go home after the procedure. If you are already in the hospital for other reasons, putting in the PICC will not make your stay in the hospital longer.

What drugs may be needed?

The doctor may order drugs to: ‚

Fight an infection
Treat your health problem
Prevent blood clots

What problems could happen?

Redness, swelling, pain, or drainage from the insertion site. This might mean the site is infected.
Pain up or down your arm where the PICC is. This is a sign that the vein is sore or irritated.
The PICC might get infected on the inside of your body. If this happens, the PICC might have to be taken out or you might need a new drug.
Swelling and pain in the arm where the PICC was put in. This might mean there is a blood clot in your arm.
Bleeding that wont stop from where the PICC was put in.
A break or leak in the PICC.
Leakage of drugs under the skin.
The tip of the PICC moves out of place. The PICC may need to be taken out or repositioned.

Where can I learn more?

MacMillan ‚
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertreatment/Treatmenttypes/Chemotherapy/Linesports/PICCline.aspx ‚
RadiologyInfo.org ‚
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=vasc_access&bhcp=1&mobilebypass=1 ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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