A PICC line is, by definition and per its acronym, a peripherally inserted central catheter. It is long, slender, small, flexible tube that is inserted into a peripheral vein, typically in the upper arm, and advanced until the catheter tip terminates in a large vein in the chest near the heart to obtain intravenous access. It is similar to other central lines as it terminates into a large vessel near the heart. However, unlike other central lines, its point of entry is typically the upper arm.
A PICC line provides the best of both worlds concerning venous access. Similar to a standard IV, it is inserted in the arm, and usually in the upper arm under the benefits of ultrasound visualization. Also, PICCs differ from peripheral IV access but similar to central lines in that a PICCs termination point is centrally located in the body allowing for treatment that could not be obtained from standard periphery IV access. In addition, PICC insertions are less invasive, have decreased complication risk associated with them, and remain for a much longer duration than other central or periphery access devices.
Using ultrasound technology to visualize a deep, large vessel in the upper arm, the PICC catheter is inserted by a specially trained interventional and vascular radiologist. After insertion, a chest x-ray is obtained to confirm ideal placement. The procedure is done in our Vein Clinic at the Blue Ridge facility on an outpatient basis.
A PICC line may be requested for a variety of treatment options which include some of the following:
- prolonged IV antibiotic treatment
- IV access obtainable by less invasive and longer lasting methods
- multiple accesses obtainable with one access line
- TPN Nutrition
- chemotherapy
- IV access related to physiological factors
- home or sub-acute discharge for extended treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does PICC stand for?
PICC is the acronym for peripherally inserted central catheter.
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Where will the PICC line be placed?
A PICC line is usually placed in the front bend of the elbow also known as the antecubital fossa. There will be 1 or 2 connections that your physician can administer IV or medication fluids.
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How long will the PICC line procedure take?
It should only take 30 minutes including prep time.
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How long will the PICC line stay in?
It can be as little as a few days to extended lengths up to several months. This is determined by your treating physician.
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How do I care for the PICC line once it is in?
A secure, clean and intact dressing is essential to prevent catheter migration and infection. The dressing should be changed every seven days or more if needed. It is often helpful if a friend or family member is taught how to change the dressing, even if home care is used, to insure the dressing remains dry as a moist dressing is the perfect breeding ground for infection.
When dressing changes are being done, insure that the anchoring devise, Biopatch and injection caps are also changed at that time. Dressings should be inspected daily. If it is wet, soiled or leaking, it must be changed. Dressings should be removed by loosening the adhesive, using alcohol if necessary. Scissors should never be used due to the possibility of cutting the catheter in error.
Hands should be washed properly with an antiseptic solution prior to handling the catheter or supplies. Scrub hands thoroughly. Be sure to include the palms back of hands, fingers and spaces between them and fingernails. Rinse them with running water with hands pointing down so the water flows downward. Dry them with a dry paper towel.
Clean the catheter caps with alcohol swab pads prior and post each use.
Mark H. Knelson, MD
Vascular and Interventional Radiologist
- BS, MD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Rotating internship, Case Western Reserve University Hospitals of Cleveland
- Chief resident, Case Western Reserve University Hospitals of Cleveland
- Fellowship, vascular and interventional radiology, Duke University Medical Center
- Certificate of Added Qualifications in Vascular and Interventional Radiology awarded
- American Board of Radiology Assistant professor of radiology, Duke University Medical Center
- Member, Society of Interventional Radiology, American College of Radiology
- Native of North Carolina
Expertise in diagnostic angiography and interventional radiology, nuclear cardiology, and spine intervention
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1993
Satish Mathan, MD
Vascular and Interventional Radiologist
- Medical Director for Interventional Services at Rex Hospital & Raleigh Radiology
- BS, University of California at Santa Barbara
- MD, Medical College of Wisconsin
- Internship, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA
- Chief resident, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NC
- Fellowship in vascular and interventional radiology, University of North Carolina Hospitals
- Member, Society of Interventional Radiology, American College of Radiology
- Native of Raleigh, North Carolina
Expertise in interventional radiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2005
Jason R. Harris, MD
Vascular and Interventional Radiologist
- BS, Brigham Young University
- MD, Harvard Medical School
- Internship, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, Massachusetts
- Residency, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Fellowship in vascular and interventional radiology, Duke University Medical Center
- Member, American College of Radiology, Society of Interventional Radiology
- Native of California
Expertise in vascular and interventional and musculoskeletal radiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2008
There is no prep needed for the PICC line procedure.
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