Abstract
Venous access is an important part of treatment in every hospitalized patient. For inpatients, open-tip power PICC lines are probably the best choice, as they have a limited cost and reliably allow to measure central venous pressure, take blood draws, and deliver contrast infusion. Open-tip PICC lines, to ensure a long operating life, require the use of good-quality neutral pressure “needle-free” connectors. The nurse’s ability to use, dress, irrigate, and maintain this type of PICC is crucial. PICC lines may be placed at the bedside in the patient’s home without any additional risk. ECG-guided tip positioning minimizes the need for checking correct catheter placement by radiological control. PICC lines need weekly maintenance, which can be easily taught to the caregiver. Well-placed PICC lines are a safe way to deliver IV therapy and take blood draws. In homecare, one of the major risks is damage to the external part of a PICC line and occlusion due to an incorrectly stopped infusion: valved PICCs can adequately meet most homecare needs.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Periard D, Monney P, Waeber G, Zurkinden C, Mazzolai L, Hayoz D, Doenz F, Zanetti G, Wasserfallen JB, Denys A (2008) Randomized controlled trial of peripherally inserted central catheters vs. peripheral catheters for middle duration in-hospital intravenous therapy. J Thromb Haemost 6(8):1281–1288
Robinson MK, Mogensen KM, Grudinskas GF, Kohler S, Jacobs DO (2005) Improved care and reduced costs for patients requiring peripherally inserted central catheters: the role of bedside ultrasound and a dedicated team. J Parenter Enteral Nutr 29(5):374–379
Lobo BL, Vaidean G, Broyles J, Reaves AB, Shorr RI (2009) Risk of venous thromboembolism in hospitalized patients with peripherally inserted central catheters. J Hosp Med 4(7):417–422
Bowers L, Speroni KG, Jones LA, Atherton M (2009) Comparison of occlusion rates by flushing solutions for peripherally inserted central catheters with positive pressure Luer activated devices. J Infus Nurs 31(1):22–27
Ajenjo MC, Morley JC, Russo AJ, McMullen KM, Robinson C, Williams RC, Warren DK (2011) Peripherally inserted central venous catheter–associated bloodstream infections in hospitalized adult patients. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 32(2):85–90
Stokowski G, Steele D, Wilson D (2009) The use of ultrasound to improve practice and reduce complication rates in peripherally inserted central catheter insertions: final report of investigation. J Infus Nurs 32(3):145–155
Marnejon T, Angelo D, Abu Abdou A, Gemmel D (2012) Risk factors for upper extremity venous thrombosis associated with peripherally inserted central venous catheters. J Vasc Access 13(2):231–238
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2014 Springer-Verlag Italia
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Mussa, B. (2014). Advantages, Disadvantages, and Indications of PICCs in Inpatients and Outpatients. In: Sandrucci, S., Mussa, B. (eds) Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheters. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5665-7_5
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5665-7_5
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Milano
Print ISBN: 978-88-470-5664-0
Online ISBN: 978-88-470-5665-7
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)