Once the catheter is in your arm, it's carefully advanced along the vein. A small incision is made in the vein so that a thin, hollow tube (catheter) can be inserted. Ultrasound or an X-ray might be used to confirm the placement.
#PIG OUTLINE SKIN#
To place the PICC line, a needle is inserted through your skin and into the vein in your arm. Numbing medicine is injected into the skin to minimize pain. Once a suitable vein is identified in your arm, the skin around the area is cleaned and prepared. You might have a cuff tightened around your arm so that your veins stand out for inspection. The doctor or nurse may use an ultrasound machine to assess the veins in your arm and make sure they're healthy enough to use for the PICC line. Which arm is used depends on your particular situation, but usually the nondominant arm is used. You'll be awake during the procedure, but numbing medicine will be used to minimize discomfort.Ī PICC line is usually inserted in a vein in your upper arm, above your elbow. During PICC line insertionĭuring the PICC line insertion you'll lie down on your back with your arm extended to your side.
If you're staying in the hospital, the procedure might be done in your hospital room. PICC line insertion can be done by a nurse, doctor or other trained medical provider. It's usually done in a procedure room that's equipped with imaging technology, such as X-ray machines, to help guide the procedure. The procedure to insert the PICC line takes about an hour and can be done as an outpatient procedure, meaning it won't require a hospital stay. A PICC line generally isn't recommended if there's a chance you may one day need dialysis for kidney failure, so let your doctor know if you have a history of kidney disease. Also let your doctor know about previous arm injuries, serious burns or radiation treatment. Tell your doctor if you've had breast-removal surgery (mastectomy), as that may affect which arm is used for placing your PICC line.
A discussion of your other health conditions. Your doctor might recommend imaging tests, such as an X-ray and ultrasound, to create pictures of your veins to plan the procedure. Medicine or a blood transfusion can increase the number of platelets in your blood. If you don't have enough platelets, you may have an increased risk of bleeding. Your doctor may need to test your blood to make sure you have enough blood-clotting cells (platelets). To prepare for your PICC line insertion, you might have: You have difficulty flushing your PICC line because it seems to be blocked. The length of the catheter that sticks out of your arm gets longer. You develop a fever or shortness of breath. The area around your PICC line is increasingly red, swollen, bruised or warm to the touch. Depending on your situation, your doctor might recommend placing another PICC line or using a different type of central venous catheter.Ĭontact your doctor right away if you notice any signs or symptoms of PICC line complications, such as if: Other complications might require removing the PICC line. Some complications can be treated so that your PICC line can remain in place. Once your PICC line is in place, it can be used for other things, too, such as blood draws, blood transfusions and receiving contrast material before an imaging test. The larger veins in your chest carry more blood, so the medicines are diluted much faster, reducing the risk of injury to the veins. Some medicines can irritate the small veins, and giving these treatments through the PICC line reduces that risk. Antibiotics and antifungal medicines can be given through a PICC line for serious infections. If your body can't process nutrients from food because of digestive system problems, you may need a PICC line for receiving liquid nutrition. Liquid nutrition (total parenteral nutrition). Medicines that are infused through a vein, such as some chemotherapy and targeted therapy drugs, can be delivered through a PICC line. A PICC line is usually intended to be temporary and might be an option if your treatment is expected to last up to several weeks. Your doctor might recommend a PICC line if your treatment plan requires frequent needle sticks for medicine or blood draws. A PICC line is used to deliver medications and other treatments directly to the large central veins near your heart.
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