What is a PICC port?

Sommario:

1. What is a PICC port?
2. What is the difference between port and PICC line?
3. Why use a PICC line instead of an IV?
4. Where does a PICC line go?
5. Can you sleep on the side with a port?
6. What to expect after getting a port?
7. Can you swim if you have a port?
8. Why do you have to hold your breath when removing a PICC line?
9. How serious is a PICC line?
10. What is the alternative to a PICC line?
11. Can you go home with a PICC line?
12. How painful is having a port put in?
13. How often should port be flushed?
14. How often should a port be flushed?
15. Can an RN remove a PICC line?
16. What do you do when a patient pulls out PICC line?
17. Can you sleep on your side with a PICC line?
18. How often should I flush my PICC line?
19. Can I drive after PICC line insertion?
20. What happens if you don't flush your port?

What is a PICC port?

PICC stands for "peripherally inserted central-line catheter.” A CVC is identical to a PICC line, except it's placed in the chest or neck. CVC stands for “central venous catheter.” A port is a catheter that's implanted surgically under the skin on the chest.

What is the difference between port and PICC line?

PICCs are used for short-term delivery of IV medications, usually over weeks. Ports are used for longer-term delivery of IV medications, usually over months or often years.

Why use a PICC line instead of an IV?

A PICC line is thicker and more durable than a regular IV. It's also much longer and goes farther into the vein. Health care providers use a PICC line instead of a regular IV line because: It can stay in place longer (up to 3 months and sometimes a bit more).

Where does a PICC line go?

A PICC line is usually inserted in a vein in your upper arm, above your elbow. Which arm is used depends on your particular situation, but usually the nondominant arm is used.

Can you sleep on the side with a port?

Although it is preferable for people with a chemo port to sleep on their back, side sleeping is a possibility. However, side sleepers will need to consider a few things once their chemo port is in place. Immediately after the procedure, the skin will be sensitive and may hurt.

What to expect after getting a port?

You may feel sore and swollen around the area where the port was put in for 1 or 2 days after the procedure. The area may also be bruised, which can take longer to go away. Avoid putting pressure on the incision areas, such as wearing suspenders or a tight bra for the first 1 or 2 days.

Can you swim if you have a port?

You can swim with your implanted port as long as there is no needle in place. Don't play any contact sports, such as football or rugby. Your implanted port may raise your skin about ½ an inch (1.2 centimeters).

Why do you have to hold your breath when removing a PICC line?

Ask patient to hold their breath at the end of expiration before the last 15cm of the PICC is removed. During inspiration, negative intrathoracic pressure can encourage air to enter the exit site and cause an air embolism.

How serious is a PICC line?

What are the risks or possible complications of having a PICC line? Although rare, the risks associated with the PICC line procedure can include infection, bleeding, blood clot, increased venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, breakage of instrumentation during the procedure.

What is the alternative to a PICC line?

The TIVAD (totally implantable vascular access device) is a long hollow tube that is inserted into one of the large veins in the body. TIVADS are also called Ports or Portacaths. Another PICC line alternative is the Tunneled CVC (central venous catheter).

Can you go home with a PICC line?

At home, you need to take care of your PICC to keep it working. Because a PICC line has a high infection risk, you must take extra care washing your hands and preventing the spread of germs. This sheet will help you remember what to do to care for your PICC at home.

How painful is having a port put in?

A local anesthetic is injected into your chest area. This numbs the area where the port is inserted. You should only feel a little pain or discomfort during the procedure. You are given small amount of a medicine in your IV to help you relax.

How often should port be flushed?

It is routine practice to flush ports every four to six weeks, according to the manufacturer's recommendations, using salt solution followed heparin if needed. This study examines the effectiveness of port flushes at an alternative interval of 3 months, reducing the number of visits to the health-care provider.

How often should a port be flushed?

It is routine practice to flush ports every four to six weeks, according to the manufacturer's recommendations, using salt solution followed heparin if needed. This study examines the effectiveness of port flushes at an alternative interval of 3 months, reducing the number of visits to the health-care provider.

Can an RN remove a PICC line?

The appropriately prepared Registered Nurse may insert, maintain, and remove a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) provided: The Registered Nurse is trained and competent in the procedure.

What do you do when a patient pulls out PICC line?

Call your healthcare provider right away if: You pull your PICC line out of place or think you might have pulled it out of place.

Can you sleep on your side with a PICC line?

Find a comfortable sleeping position: It's generally best to sleep on your back to prevent any friction or movement to the port, but some prefer to sleep on their side. If you must sleep in any position other than flat on your back, sleep on your non-port side.

How often should I flush my PICC line?

You'll need to flush your PICC line as often as directed by your healthcare provider. You may need to flush it after each use. If the PICC line is not in active use, you may need to flush it once a day. Or you may only need to flush it once a week.

Can I drive after PICC line insertion?

If your line is being placed as an outpatient you will be asked to attend the Medical Treatment Unit (MTU). You may eat as normal and if possible, have plenty of water to drink prior to the procedure. You may drive yourself although you may wish to have someone with you for company.

What happens if you don't flush your port?

The manufacturers of PORT-A-CATH® recommend regular flushings every 4 weeks. In clinical practice, the intervals are usually at least three months. Regular flushing might lead to a decreased risk of PORT-A-CATH® thrombosis, but may also lead to an increased infection or thrombosis rate and patients discomfort.