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What Is PICC Line?

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Posted on Fri, 20 May 2016
Question: What is a pic line? I use a walker and I am afraid I will dislodge anything placed in
my upper body? I have MRSA and am prone to infections
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
it's a central catheter

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

a PICC line is a central venous catheter which is inserted peripherally and is less prone to infection than the traditional central venous catheters (subclavian and jugular) and a more sustainable too. A PICC line is placed when a patient has to take intravenous treatment (chemotherapy usually) to avoid destroying all the peripheral veins.

The line is secured on the skin with either adhesive tape or (better) with stitches and tape. It's placed with a sterile procedure and handling requires sterility. There is a minor risk for infection but if the procedures remain sterile, the risk is very very small.

Despite the above, a common peripheral catheter would have been a reasonable alternative, which of course would have to be changed several times during this 2 week course but it would be an easier way to provide treatment.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (39 hours later)
What is the difference between a PICC line and a peripheral
line?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
the PICC enters the central veins

Detailed Answer:
The PICC line is introduced into the central veins (the veins that connect directly to the heart) using a peripheral vein as the entrance point. The peripheral line is placed in a peripheral vein (close to the wrist usually) and stays there...

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3817 Questions

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What Is PICC Line?

Brief Answer: it's a central catheter Detailed Answer: Hello, a PICC line is a central venous catheter which is inserted peripherally and is less prone to infection than the traditional central venous catheters (subclavian and jugular) and a more sustainable too. A PICC line is placed when a patient has to take intravenous treatment (chemotherapy usually) to avoid destroying all the peripheral veins. The line is secured on the skin with either adhesive tape or (better) with stitches and tape. It's placed with a sterile procedure and handling requires sterility. There is a minor risk for infection but if the procedures remain sterile, the risk is very very small. Despite the above, a common peripheral catheter would have been a reasonable alternative, which of course would have to be changed several times during this 2 week course but it would be an easier way to provide treatment. Kind Regards!