#Picc line how to#
#Picc line skin#

Fluoroscopy allows the doctor or nurse to watch the wire and catheter on a live display so they can safely advance the catheter into position.Ī PICC line is a thin plastic or silicone tube ( catheter) long enough to extend from a patient's arm vein to the largest vein near the heart (the superior vena cava). This helps improve the likelihood of a successful PICC line placement and to minimize the risk of complications, such as bleeding.įluoroscopy, which converts x-rays into video images on a screen, is used to watch and guide the procedure. Ultrasound is helpful because it provides the doctor or nurse with real-time guidance finding a vein. Ultrasound gel is used to improve the quality of the image.

#Picc line skin#

It is used to look for veins that may be larger and deeper than veins that can be seen or felt on the skin surface. Ultrasound is used to assess and identify a vein for catheter placement. A video display screen and a transducer that is used to scan the body also are included. Ultrasound scanners consist of a console containing a computer and electronics. In this procedure, ultrasound and x-ray equipment, a needle, a guide wire and a PICC line are used. Jewelry, removable dental appliances, eye glasses and metal objects might interfere with the x-ray images. Your child will wear a gown during the procedure. You may be told to withhold food or drink several hours before the procedure if anesthesia or sedation is to be used. These will include any changes to their regular medication schedule.

#Picc line how to#

You will receive specific instructions on how to help your child prepare. Do not stop your child's medication until you have been given the doctor's approval. Your child's doctor may advise you to withhold aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or blood thinners a few days before the procedure. List any allergies, especially to local anesthetic, general anesthesia or to contrast materials containing iodine. You should report all medications that your child is taking, including herbal supplements. For additional information visit Linking to and Using Content from MedlinePlus.Your child's blood may be tested before PICC line placement to check if certain blood levels are safe for the procedure. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited without authorization. Links to other sites are provided for information only - they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy editorial process and privacy policy. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services.

follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. Very rarely, the catheter may break inside the blood vessel.Ī.D.A.M., Inc.This can cause serious bleeding and poor heart function.

Very rarely, the PICC can wear away the wall of the heart.

IV fluid or medicine can leak into nearby areas of the body.

Sometimes, the catheter may wear away the blood vessel wall.

The longer the PICC is in place, the greater the risk. In some cases, the PICC cannot be properly positioned and a different therapy will be needed.

The health care team may have to try more than once to place the PICC.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF HAVING A PICC PLACED?

Remove the needle after the catheter is placed.

Move the PICC through the needle into a larger (central) vein, putting its tip near (but not in) the heart.

Make a small surgical cut and place a hollow needle into a small vein in the arm or leg.

Clean the baby's skin with a germ-killing medicine (antiseptic).

PICCs are often used in premature babies who cannot be fed because of bowel problems or who need IV medicines for a long time. A PICC can stay in for 2 to 3 weeks or longer. Regular IVs only last 1 to 3 days and need to be replaced. This article addresses PICCs in babies.Ī PICC is used when a baby needs IV (intravenous) fluids or medicines over a long period of time. A percutaneously inserted central catheter (PICC) is a long, very thin, soft flexible tube that is put into a small blood vessel and reaches deep into a larger blood vessel.