What it means
A type of central venous catheterSEN-trul VEE-nus KATH-uh-terAn IV catheter whose tip sits in a large vein near the heart, used for long-term drugs, fluids, nutrition or blood draws.Full entry placed through a vein in the upper arm and threaded until its tip sits in the superior vena cavasuh-PEER-ee-er VEE-nuh KAY-vuhThe large vein that carries blood from the head, neck, arms and upper chest back to the right atrium of the heart.superior uppervena veincava hollowFull entry . Tip position is confirmed, often with a chest X-ray, before use. It can stay in for weeks to months for long courses of IV antibiotics, chemotherapy or parenteral nutrition, including at home.
For the nurse
Do not take a blood pressure or put a tourniquet on the arm with the PICC. Change the dressing with sterile technique as policy directs and whenever it is wet, loose or soiled. Flush with a 10 mL or larger syringe, and watch for fever, redness at the site, arm swelling and a catheter that has moved.
At a glance
| Also written | PICC line, PICC lines, peripherally inserted central catheter |
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Related terms
central venous catheter
An IV catheter whose tip sits in a large vein near the heart, used for long-term drugs, fluids, nutrition or blood draws.
parenteral nutrition
Nutrition given as a liquid straight into a vein instead of through the digestive tract.
superior vena cava
The large vein that carries blood from the head, neck, arms and upper chest back to the right atrium of the heart.