Definition

A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is a long, thin tube that is put through a vein in the arm. The catheter is threaded through the arm vein until it reaches a larger vein close to the heart. This is commonly called a PICC line.

Veins in the Arm Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Reasons for Procedure

PICC lines may be used for those who need:

• Long-term medicine—and cannot take medicine by mouth
• Fluids—but cannot drink enough to stay hydrated
• Chemotherapy
• Calories that they cannot get by eating
• IV medicine—if arm veins are hard to find or use

After the PICC line is in, it can be used for weeks to months.

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over problems that could happen, such as:

• Bloodstream infection
• Bleeding
• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Damage to nearby structures
• Blood clots
• Blood vessel blockage—from air or part of the catheter

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

• Smoking
• Obesity or poor blood flow
• History of blood clots
• Broken arm
• Active infection
• Lymph nodes removed from the arm

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you have:

• Signs of infection such as fever or chills
• Redness, swelling or pain at the insertion site
• Drainage or leakage from the PICC line
• Problems flushing or putting fluids into the PICC line
• A loose PICC line—or one that falls out
• Arm swelling

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical services right away.