Overview
A PICC is a long, thin catheter inserted through a vein in the upper arm and advanced so its tip rests in the large vein just outside the heart. Because blood flow there is high, medications are diluted quickly, which makes PICCs well suited to therapies that run from a couple of weeks to many months.
What to expect
- 01
Vein assessment
Your nurse scans both arms with ultrasound to choose the healthiest, most comfortable vein before anything else happens.
- 02
Sterile, bedside insertion
A full sterile field, local anesthetic and real-time ultrasound guidance. You lie comfortably while the nurse checks in with you throughout.
- 03
Tip confirmation without an X-ray
ECG guidance confirms the catheter tip position at the bedside, which avoids a trip for a chest X-ray and the radiation that comes with it.
- 04
Securement and ongoing care
The line is secured and dressed, then flushed and re-dressed on a schedule. We troubleshoot occlusions and remove the line when therapy ends.
Often a good fit for
- IV antibiotics or antifungals over several weeks
- Chemotherapy and other vesicant medications
- Long-term IV nutrition or hydration
- Patients who need frequent blood draws
- Patients with difficult peripheral veins
Where we provide it
- Patient homes
- Physician offices
- Assisted living
- Long-term care
- Rehabilitation centers
- Hospitals
This page is general information, not medical advice. All AIMS services are provided under physician or provider orders. In an emergency, call 911.