What is a PICC line (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter)? Let's talk about this simply!

Have you or someone you know ever had to receive intravenous (IV) medication for days, weeks, or months? Or have you had to have frequent blood tests? We all know the pain, discomfort, and nerve damage that comes with having to change the cannula every two to three days, and having to repeatedly puncture a vein because you can’t find it. For those who need long-term treatment, and who have to have blood tests done regularly, a PICC line is a special, convenient way to reduce the discomfort of these punctures.

What exactly is a PICC line?

Simply put, a PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) line is a tube (catheter) that is inserted into a vein. But it is not like the small cannula that we usually see in the wrist . It is a very long, thin, very flexible, soft plastic tube.

This is usually inserted into a vein in your arm, just above your elbow, and then slowly threaded up that vein to a large vein in your chest. Once inserted, only a small tube is visible through the skin of your arm. This tube can be used to give you IV medications, fluids, and painless blood samples.

How do you insert this PICC line?

This is a slightly more complicated procedure than inserting a regular cannula, so it is performed by a doctor or nurse who has received special training for this purpose. Imagine that you are scheduled to have a PICC line inserted. Then something like this happens.

1. Vein Identification: First, the doctor uses a special scanning machine, an ultrasound machine, to locate the deep veins in your upper arm. This helps to locate the vein precisely and minimizes errors.

2. Cleaning: Then, to protect the area where the line will be inserted from germs, the area is thoroughly cleaned and covered with a sterile cloth. This is very important to prevent infection.

3. Numbness: A small amount of medicine is injected into the area where the tube is inserted to numb you so you don't feel any pain. This means you won't feel much pain when the line is inserted.

4. Inserting the line: Now that the area is numb, the thin tube is slowly inserted into the vein, moving up to the large vein in the chest. While this may feel like a slight push, most patients do not feel much pain or discomfort.

5. Positioning and confirmation: Once the line is properly inserted, it is secured to the arm with a special type of plaster to prevent it from moving and covered with a sterile dressing to protect it from germs. Finally, a chest x-ray is done to make sure that the tube is 100% in the right place.

6. Working as usual: Once all this is done, you will be able to bend, extend and do normal activities without the PICC line.

What are the benefits of using a PICC line?

The main advantage of using a PICC line is the convenience it provides for someone undergoing long-term treatment.

• Freedom from frequent needle sticks: You can be completely free from the need to insert cannulas repeatedly for days or weeks. Once a PICC line is inserted, it can be left in place for weeks, even months.
• Vein protection: Some harsh IV medications are very irritating to the veins. When these medications are given regularly, the veins can become damaged and swollen. Since the PICC line is directly connected to a large vein, it prevents damage to the small veins.
• Convenience: This can be used in hospitals, as well as in some cases for those receiving treatment at home (`home care`).
• Multiple uses: It can be used to administer various types of IV therapy, as well as painlessly obtain blood samples for almost any blood test.

What are the risks of this?

As with any medical procedure, there are some minor risks involved in inserting and using a PICC line. It is important to be aware of these.

What other options are there besides a PICC line?

There are actually several other methods of IV therapy. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate method based on your situation.

• Short IV catheters: These are the common cannulas we are all familiar with. They are inserted into a vein in the arm or hand. These need to be changed every few days. They are also not suitable for some strong medications.
• Central venous catheters: These are inserted into a vein in the neck, upper chest, or groin. They are only suitable for short-term use (less than 2 weeks) and are only used in a hospital setting.
• Permanent catheters: Permanent catheters, such as Hickman catheters and ports, are inserted in a surgical room. These are used for people who need treatment for a very long time.

Finally, if you need to receive IV therapy for a long period of time, a PICC line is a very useful and convenient option. Never hesitate to openly discuss any questions, fears, or concerns you have about it with your doctor .

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