Talk:Peripherally inserted central catheter

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I have been under the impression that an occlusive dressing should be applied after removal of a PICC, but lately, the literature I have been reading says a gauze dressing and tape are adequate. Does anyone have an opinion on this? --64.255.109.34 18:57, 23 Jun 2005 (UTC)

Uhh, I wouldn't ask a community of laypeople... A peripheral vein is not prone to gas embolism, so I would think a gauze is rather adequate. JFW | T@lk 23:23, 23 Jun 2005 (UTC)

[edit] PICC dressing

Dressings are used to prevent catheter migration, infection and to absorb exudates. Newly placed PIC lines rarely bleed excessively following application of a dressing, particularly if the exit site has minimal pressure applied from a small piece of rolled gauze under tape.

An occlusive dressing will stabilize the line more effectively as well as providing a clear view of the exit site, which may aid early detection of complications such as phlebitis, bleeding and infection. Gauze and paper tape are often reserved for patients who cannot tolerate the adhesive of occlusive dressings.

These occlusive dressings may be left in position for up to seven days if there are no complications.

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 We use an dressing called PRIMAPORE in RAdiology adn it is a soft gauzelike dressing. It is very adequate. If you are looking to secure PICC, cut the hole out of a soft clean sock and place it over the arm for security. RN RADIOLOGY

[edit] Duration of picc line

There are instances of individual PIC lines being used for years without complication, although they are typically placed in patients who require at least a week of intravenous therapy. They may be placed for just a few days in patients receiving certain types of chemotherapy or biotherapy.

The article states that a PICC line is typically kept in for no more than 30 days. Right now I have a picc line that will stay in for 6 weeks, and the NP who placed it told me that it can stay in for up to a year. I'm no medical professional, but can somenoe who knows more confirm or refute what I'm saying, and if appropriate, change the story?

[edit] on my reversion of 70.124.195.224's edit that claimed only radiologist insert PICC lines

It has been my experience (and yes, I do mean that I have had PICC lines put into me) that registered nurses insert the PICC line into the patient, and that radiological staff confirm the proper placement of the catheter within the patient's body. Perhaps different hospitals have different policies about this. --Tachikoma 23:21, 8 September 2006 (UTC)

Clinical Cases 02:43, 10 September 2006 (UTC) PICC lines are usually inserted by a PICC team (nurses), in the U.S. at least.

This is all very US-centric. In Australia at least, they are often inserted (and the XR checked) by ICU staff. --211.30.196.148 07:19, 7 February 2007 (UTC)