Any one ever had one put in? My mom is having one and I am just wondering about it. The doctor explined it to me but if some one could "dumb" it down for me that would be great. And I did goggle it but I just want more info Thanks.
2007-03-03 13:37:02 · 4 answers · asked by Barbara 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Respiratory Diseases
I'm a nurse on an oncology unit so every patient has a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) or a Central Line. A
PICC is inserted into the upper arm and is used to give IV medications and to take blood without having to constantly 'stick' the patient for blood and meds. The catheter is inserted and it travels all the way up to the top of the right side of the heart to deliver medications. The major risk with any central line is infection. Maintaining a clean site and dressing changes as ordered is very important. These lines are a great way to have constant access to the patient! Hope this is helpful, take care.
2007-03-03 13:55:44 · answer #1 · answered by Jess 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A PICC line stands for peripherally inserts cardiac catheter. This is like a large IV line but threads all the way to the heart. The benefits are the usually no other IV lines are needed, blood draws, with the exception of Arterial blood can be drawn off of it and they can be left in indefinitely. The down side is that when they are place they can cause infection and on rare occasion heart attacks. Both my parents have had them without incident. I hope this info helps.
2007-03-03 21:47:33 · answer #2 · answered by wezy53154 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A PI CC (peripherally inserted central catheter) is inserted into most generally the arm. It extends from the arm (close to the inner elbow) through the veins to the vena-cava(the very large veins just outside the entrance to the right side of the heart. If it is inserted directly into the chest it also go through the larger veins, within the chest wall, to the vena cava. This one is known as a sub-clavian central venous catheter. Here is a link that may be of some use for you. http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Chemotherapy/Linesports/PICCline
best wishes
2007-03-03 21:57:59 · answer #3 · answered by Gary T 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm a nurse A picc line is used for the patient to receive medications. This IV line is just so nurses and doctors to have a line open at all times. It can stay there for as long as we need it for the patient. I hope this helps you. Take care and all the best. Try not to worry.
2007-03-03 21:45:29 · answer #4 · answered by nursey 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋