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PICC Line Placement

Long-term intravenous access for medications and treatments

What is a PICC Line?

A Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) is a thin, flexible tube inserted into a vein in your arm and threaded to a larger vein near your heart. It provides reliable, long-term access for medications, fluids, nutrition, or blood draws.

Key Features

  • •Can remain for weeks to months
  • •Reduces needle sticks
  • •Multiple lumens available

Common Uses

  • •Long-term antibiotics
  • •Chemotherapy
  • •Frequent blood draws
PICC line diagram showing placement

The PICC Line Placement Procedure

1

Preparation

Your arm veins will be evaluated using ultrasound. The insertion site (usually upper arm) will be cleaned and numbed with local anesthesia.

2

Insertion

Using ultrasound guidance, a thin catheter is inserted into your vein and carefully advanced toward your heart. The entire process is painless.

3

Confirmation

Correct placement is confirmed with fluoroscopy or X-ray. The external portion is secured with stitches or a special adhesive device.

4

Aftercare

You'll receive detailed instructions on PICC line care before going home. The procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes.

Benefits

  • Reduced Discomfort

    Eliminates need for repeated needle sticks

  • Safe Medication Delivery

    Central placement reduces vein irritation

  • Convenience

    Can be used for multiple purposes simultaneously

Considerations

  • Infection Risk

    Proper care reduces risk (1-3% of cases)

  • Clotting

    Regular flushing minimizes this risk

  • Activity Limitations

    Avoid heavy lifting or water immersion

PICC Line Care Instructions

Daily Care

  • •Keep dressing clean and dry
  • •Flush with saline as directed (usually daily)
  • •Check for redness, swelling, or pain
  • •Use waterproof cover for showers

When to Call Your Doctor

  • •Fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
  • •Drainage from insertion site
  • •Difficulty flushing the line
  • •Catheter movement or damage

PICC Line Facts

Procedure Time

30-60 minutes

Anesthesia

Local with optional sedation

Placement

Upper arm vein to superior vena cava

Duration

Weeks to several months

Ideal Candidates

  • •Need for long-term IV therapy (4+ weeks)
  • •Poor peripheral vein access
  • •Frequent blood draws needed
  • •Chemotherapy patients

Related Services

PICC Line Emergency?

  • •Catheter breaks or leaks
  • •Sudden chest pain or shortness of breath
  • •Severe swelling in arm