This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy editorial process and privacy policy. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. Very rarely, the catheter may break inside the blood vessel.Ī.D.A.M., Inc.This can cause serious bleeding and poor heart function. Very rarely, the PICC can wear away the wall of the heart.IV fluid or medicine can leak into nearby areas of the body. Sometimes, the catheter may wear away the blood vessel wall.The longer the PICC is in place, the greater the risk. In some cases, the PICC cannot be properly positioned and a different therapy will be needed. The health care team may have to try more than once to place the PICC.WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF HAVING A PICC PLACED? Remove the needle after the catheter is placed.Move the PICC through the needle into a larger (central) vein, putting its tip near (but not in) the heart.Make a small surgical cut and place a hollow needle into a small vein in the arm or leg.Clean the baby's skin with a germ-killing medicine (antiseptic).PICCs are often used in premature babies who cannot be fed because of bowel problems or who need IV medicines for a long time. A PICC can stay in for 2 to 3 weeks or longer. Regular IVs only last 1 to 3 days and need to be replaced. This article addresses PICCs in babies.Ī PICC is used when a baby needs IV (intravenous) fluids or medicines over a long period of time. Work with your oncology treatment team to understand all the benefits and risks of CVC devices.A percutaneously inserted central catheter (PICC) is a long, very thin, soft flexible tube that is put into a small blood vessel and reaches deep into a larger blood vessel. How do I take care of the catheter or port?.How long will the catheter or port be left in?.Will my health insurance cover all of the costs due for either device?.Is inserting a catheter or port painful?.What are the possible problems that can happen with a PICC or port?.Why are you recommending I should have a catheter or port?.To help get a better idea of what having a CVC may mean for you, you may want to ask your oncologist these questions: With a port, you can bathe and swim once the area has completely healed. You’ll need to cover it with waterproof material when you bathe, and you won’t be able to go swimming. PICC lines shouldn’t be allowed to get wet.Ports also need to be flushed about once a month to prevent clotting. There’s less to care for with ports since they’re under the skin. PICC lines require daily special cleaning and flushing.Ports can stay in as long as you need treatment, up to several years. PICC lines can stay in for several weeks or months.Whether you have any other medical problems like blood clots or swellingĪlthough PICC lines and ports have the same purpose, there are a few differences between them:.How long it takes to inject your chemotherapy doses.The type of CVC you’ll need depends on a few of the following factors, including which one your oncologist prefers: The most common are peripherally inserted central catheters, or PICC lines, and ports. This means your oncologist or nurse will have to reinsert multiple IVs into your veins over the course of your treatment which can damage small veins over time. Some CVCs can be left in your body for:Ī regular IV catheter can only stay in for a few days. Your oncologist may recommend a CVC to prevent this from occurring.ĬVCs are considered more manageable than a regular intravenous (IV) catheter because they can stay in your body longer. Some chemotherapy drugs are considered harmful if they leak outside your veins. treatment that lasts for 24 hours or more. Your oncologist may also decide a CVC is necessary if you’ll need to have: A CVC can also make it easier to take blood samples for testing. A CVC, sometimes called a central line, is inserted into a large vein in the chest or upper arm.Ĭatheters are long, hollow plastic tubes that make it easier to put medication, blood products, nutrients, or fluids directly into your bloodstream. One decision you may need to make before beginning chemotherapy is what type of central venous catheter (CVC) you want your oncologist to insert for your treatment.
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