What is a percutaneous central line?

What is a percutaneous central line?

Percutaneous central venous catheterization (also called peripherally inserted central catheter [PICC]) involves inserting a long small-gauge catheter into a peripheral vein and threading it into a central venous location.

Where are percutaneous lines placed?

They can be inserted centrally (centrally inserted venous catheter; CICC) or peripherally (PICC). PICCs are placed through the basilic, brachial, cephalic, or medial cubital vein of the arm. The right basilic vein is the vein of choice due to its larger size and superficial location.

What’s the difference between a central line and a PICC line?

A PICC line is a longer catheter that’s also placed in the upper arm. Its tip ends in the largest vein of the body, which is why it’s considered a central line. PICC stands for “peripherally inserted central-line catheter.” A CVC is identical to a PICC line, except it’s placed in the chest or neck.

What is a CVC line used for?

What is a central venous catheter, and why is it used? A central venous catheter, also known as a central line, is a tube that doctors place in a large vein in the neck, chest, groin, or arm to give fluids, blood, or medications or to do medical tests quickly.

Which vessels are commonly used for central line insertion?

The internal jugular vein, common femoral vein, and subclavian veins are the preferred sites for temporary central venous catheter placement. Additionally, for mid-term and long-term central venous access, the basilic and brachial veins are utilized for peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs).

Are you awake during PICC line insertion?

During the PICC line insertion you’ll lie down on your back with your arm extended to your side. You’ll be awake during the procedure, but numbing medicine will be used to minimize discomfort. A PICC line is usually inserted in a vein in your upper arm, above your elbow.

How long should a PICC line be left in?

A PICC can stay in your body for your entire treatment, up to 18 months. Your doctor will remove it when you don’t need it anymore. Having a PICC shouldn’t keep you from doing your normal activities, such as work, school, sexual activity, showering, and mild exercise.

What vein does a central line go into?

The placement sites include the internal jugular vein, femoral vein, and subclavian vein. The right internal jugular vein and left subclavian vein are the most direct paths to the right atrium via the superior vena cava.

When to use a peripherally inserted central catheter?

A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC or PIC line), less commonly called a percutaneous indwelling central catheter, is a form of intravenous access that can be used for a prolonged period of time (e.g., for long chemotherapy regimens, extended antibiotic therapy, or total parenteral nutrition) or for administration of substances that

How are PICC lines different from central venous catheters?

First described in 1975, it is an alternative to central venous catheters in major veins such as the subclavian vein, the internal jugular vein or the femoral vein. Subclavian and jugular line placements may result in pneumothorax (air in the pleural space of lung), while PICC lines have no such issue because of the method of placement.

Where does a percutaneous central catheter end in the thorax?

They are 50 cm to 60 cm long single, double or triple lumen catheters that are placed in a peripheral arm vein and terminate in the thorax. They can be used for medium-term venous access, which is defined as anywhere between several weeks to 6 months.

Are there any risks to using a percutaneous catheter?

Generally the risks of percutaneously placed intravascular central catheters are lower than those of catheters placed surgically. Risks include but are not limited to: