When the catheter reaches the right location, you might have an X-ray to verify the catheter is in place. The catheter continues up your arm and toward your heart. Once the catheter is in your arm, it's carefully advanced along the vein. A small incision is made in the vein so that a thin, hollow tube (catheter) can be inserted. Ultrasound or an X-ray might be used to confirm the placement. To place the PICC line, a needle is inserted through your skin and into the vein in your arm. Numbing medicine is injected into the skin to minimize pain. Once a suitable vein is identified in your arm, the skin around the area is cleaned and prepared. You might have a cuff tightened around your arm so that your veins stand out for inspection. The doctor or nurse may use an ultrasound machine to assess the veins in your arm and make sure they're healthy enough to use for the PICC line. Which arm is used depends on your particular situation, but usually the nondominant arm is used. You'll be awake during the procedure, but numbing medicine will be used to minimize discomfort.Ī PICC line is usually inserted in a vein in your upper arm, above your elbow. During PICC line insertionĭuring the PICC line insertion you'll lie down on your back with your arm extended to your side. If you're staying in the hospital, the procedure might be done in your hospital room. PICC line insertion can be done by a nurse, doctor or other trained medical provider. It's usually done in a procedure room that's equipped with imaging technology, such as X-ray machines, to help guide the procedure. The procedure to insert the PICC line takes about an hour and can be done as an outpatient procedure, meaning it won't require a hospital stay. A PICC line generally isn't recommended if there's a chance you may one day need dialysis for kidney failure, so let your doctor know if you have a history of kidney disease. Also let your doctor know about previous arm injuries, serious burns or radiation treatment. Tell your doctor if you've had breast-removal surgery (mastectomy), as that may affect which arm is used for placing your PICC line. A discussion of your other health conditions.Your doctor might recommend imaging tests, such as an X-ray and ultrasound, to create pictures of your veins to plan the procedure. Medicine or a blood transfusion can increase the number of platelets in your blood. If you don't have enough platelets, you may have an increased risk of bleeding. Your doctor may need to test your blood to make sure you have enough blood-clotting cells (platelets). To prepare for your PICC line insertion, you might have: You have difficulty flushing your PICC line because it seems to be blocked.The length of the catheter that sticks out of your arm gets longer.
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