can someone explain the differences between a medial Catheter and a picc line.?

Answer 1

I'm not entirely sure what you mean by medial catheter. It is not a type of catheter, but refers to a catheter's placement. There are several types of catheters that can be placed medially. Usually any of the types of catheters that are placed medially (or anywhere else) are only used temporarily, as they carry a high risk of infection when left in place for more than a few days.

PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) lines are catheters that can be placed in a patient's arm or chest, and are used for long-term IV infusion. They have a long lumen that is threaded through the vein and usually ends just above the heart. PICC lines must be flushed at least once a week (or post each access) with both saline and a saline heparin solution. A PICC line also has a dressing placed over the external end. This dressing also needs to be replaced weekly. Unlike Saline Wells, or Hep Locks, blood can be drawn from a PICC line for blood tests. PICC lines are also sometimes used for patients who are considered 'hard sticks' (poor vasculature or difficult to palpate veins). If it is anticipated that such a patient may need IV access for repeated blood draws, or IV medication, the PICC line may be temporary, but avoids damage to (or infection) of veins by repeated fail attempts.

Answer 2

I'm not sure about the catheter but if you check out this web site http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Chemotherapy/Linesports/PICCline it gives a really good description of the Picc line