PICC Line

Peripherally inserted central catheter
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC or PIC line) is a form of intravenous access that can be used for a prolonged period of time, e.g. for long chemotherapy regimens...First described in 1975,[1] it is an alternative to subclavian lines, internal jugular lines or femoral lines which have higher rates of infection.
A PICC is inserted in a peripheral vein, such as the cephalic vein, basilic vein, or brachial vein and then advanced through increasingly larger veins, toward the heart until the tip rests in the distal superior vena cava or cavo-atrial junction.
PICCs are usually inserted by radiologists, physician assistants, radiologist assistants, or certified registered nurses using ultrasound, chest radiographs and fluoroscopy to aid in their insertion and to confirm placement.

My PIC line was inserted just shortly after my first chemo infusion when I was admitted for Neutropenia. It was, for the most part, a painless process and really more fascinating that frightening. With the insertion of the picc line there is no more need for needles for the weekly blood draws, i.v. lines (saline was required often due to high pulse rate suspected from dehydration or simply due to chemo) or multiple attempts (3!) to find a good vein for chemo transfusion.

My picc line was removed on my last day of chemo by nurse Irene, part of my oncology team, as seen here in the photo (June 30th, 2008). Removal was completely pain free which I found equally as fascinating.

The picc line was one thing during chemo that I was grateful for.