How long picc line last

Updated May 9, Zarbock A, Rosenberger P. Risks associated with peripherally inserted central catheters. Central-line associated bloodstream infections: Resources for patients and healthcare providers. Updated February 7, Peripheral inserted central catheter use and related infections in clinical practice: A literature update. J Clin Med Res. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.

These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. When a Central Line Is Necessary. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up. What are your concerns?

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Learn how to use CHG wipes to prevent infection in children 22 to 66 pounds who are having surgery or who have central lines.

Learn how to use CHG wipes to prevent infection in children over 66 pounds who are having surgery or who have central lines. Contact Us. The procedure is considered low-risk. However, potential complications include: Bleeding Infection Formation of a blood clot in the vein thrombosis Abnormal heart rhythm Puncture of adjacent structures such as other veins or arteries Contrast reaction allergic reaction to the X-ray dye. If properly cared for, a PICC line can stay in for weeks to months.

It is not very common to get a cut or split in the line. If this happens, try to clamp or tie your line just above the break. This is to seal it between the split and where the line comes out of your body. Contact your hospital straight away. The line may need to be removed if it cannot be repaired.

PICC lines. A PICC line is a long, thin, flexible tube known as a catheter. It is put into the arm to give chemotherapy and other medicines. On this page. What is a PICC line? What is a PICC line used for?

A PICC line can be used to give you treatments such as: chemotherapy blood transfusions antibiotics intravenous IV fluids liquid food if you are not able to eat.

It can also be used to take samples of your blood for testing. You can go home with the PICC line in. It can be left in for weeks or months. How is a PICC line put in? You will have a chest x-ray to check that the end of the tube is in the right place. Contact your hospital doctor or nurse if you have: redness, swelling or pain in the area discoloured fluid coming from the area a high temperature fever. Blood clots It is possible for a blood clot thrombosis to form in your vein at the end of the line.

Contact your hospital doctor or nurse if you have: swelling, redness or tenderness in the arm, chest area or up into the neck on the same side as the PICC line a swollen hand on the same side as the PICC line shortness of breath tightness in your chest.

Loose PICC line To stop the line coming out by accident, it should always be taped or covered with a dressing. Do not use scissors near the PICC line. A nurse will usually do this for you in an outpatient department. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview A peripherally inserted central catheter PICC , also called a PICC line, is a long, thin tube that's inserted through a vein in your arm and passed through to the larger veins near your heart.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Central venous catheter. Rochester, Minn. Mauro MA, et al. Peripherally inserted central catheters and nontunneled central venous catheters.

In: Image-Guided Interventions. Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed July 1, Andreas A, et al. Venous access and interventions.

Heffner AC, et al. Overview of central venous access.