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Definition
WHAT IS A PERIPHERALLY INSERTED CENTRAL CATHETER?
WHAT IS A PERIPHERALLY INSERTED CENTRAL CATHETER?TRANSCRIPTA peripherally inserted central catheter, commonly called a PICC line, is a personalmedical device designed to make long-term medication treatment easier and morecomfortable for you.A PICC line is a very thin, flexible tube that travels through a small insertion in yourupper arm just above your elbow, through a large blood vessel, ending just aboveyour heart. Medication and nutrients are delivered through the tube and can getpumped quickly to the rest of your body, speeding delivery.The PICC line can also be used to draw blood samples when needed. And becausethe tube is so small and flexible, it can stay in place for weeks and even months withproper care, reducing the number of times you need to get stuck with a needle, andalso making it possible to receive your treatment at home.A PICC line is made up of several parts. The long, thin tube is called a catheter. It mayhave one, two or more ports, called lumens, where the medication goes in. The moreports you have, the more medications you can be given at the same time. Each lumenhas a special cap, called an injection cap where you will connect medications, cleaningsolution, or draw blood.A clamp on the PICC line can open or close the tube. It must be closed when the tubeis not in use, to prevent infection and any leakage. And sterile dressings cover thePICC line where it enters your body, further protecting you from infection.To insert the PICC line – whether it is single or multi-lumen – a trained member ofyour healthcare team may use an x-ray or ultrasound machine to guide the catheterthrough a large vein in your upper arm, and into the large central vein, called thesuperior vena cava. The insertion area is then covered with sterile dressing.When your PICC line is first inserted, you may feel some discomfort. Your healthcareprovider may recommend you take medications like Advil® or Motrin® for a shorttime20% gradient meshto relieve any pain.A peripherally inserted central catheter can make long-term care more comfortable.healthclipsFollow your healthcare provider’s directions to make sure your PICC line is kepthealthclipsworking well.healthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_gn_10196_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient mesh
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