PICC is an acronym for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter and it is a long, very thin, flexible tube that is usually placed into one of the large veins in the arms, often just above the elbow. This tube is then threaded into a large vein above the right side of the heart, called superior vena cava (SVC)
Why Use PICC and Mid Line?
The PICC line is used to administer intravenous (IV) medicines or fluid. Because the tube is small and flexible, the line can last several weeks to months, which means fewer needle sticks and less pain.
In Hospitals, a PICC line is inserted by Radiologists, physician assistants, radiology assistants, or certified registered nurses using ultrasound, chest radiographs and fluoroscopy to aid in their insertion and confirm placement, costing thousands of dollars. With the aid of an ultrasound, a trained and certified registered nurse can insert a PICC line at bedside under a strict sterile environment in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), Assisted Living Facilities and Doctors’ offices at a significantly low cost.
PICCs are often indicated for:
- Long-term antibiotic therapy
- Total parenteral nutrition
- Hyperosmolar, vesicant or irritating solutions
- Limited venous access
- Simultaneous medication administration
Advantages of PICCs over other forms of central venous access:
- Longer dwell time
- Lower chance of infection
- Less post-insertion potential complications
- Variety of insertion settings
Indications for Midline Catheters
- Difficult venous access
- Long term (2-4 week) infusion of non-vesicant, non-hyperosmolar or non-corrosive medications
- Limited peripheral veins
- IV Therapy for more than 3 days (the life of most peripheral IVs)
Advantages of Midline Catheters
- Patient comfort- fewer re-starts that peripheral IVs
- Longer dwell time (2-4 weeks)
- Lower risk of infection
- No X-ray required prior to use
- Decrease chance of extravasation of infusate