PICC Line

PICC LINE

A peripherally inserted central catheter is a long, thin tube that's inserted through a vein in the arm. The tube is passed through to the larger veins near the heart. It is often referred to as a PICC line.

A PICC line gives your healthcare professional access to the large central veins near the heart. It's generally used to give medicines or liquid nutrition. A PICC line can help avoid needlesticks. When done often, needlesticks can irritate the smaller veins in the arms and be painful.

A PICC line needs routine care. You need to watch for complications, including infection and blood clots. If you're considering a PICC line, discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare professional.

A PICC line is one type of central venous catheter. A central venous catheter uses a thin tube called a catheter to access veins near the heart. Examples of other types of central venous catheters include implantable ports and central lines.

Mayo Clinic

If you want more information about it, go to www.mayoclinic.org