Picc (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
What do I need to know about a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)?
A PICC is a catheter (small tube) used to give treatments and to take blood. The catheter is usually inserted into an arm vein. In infants, a leg vein may be used. These arm and leg veins are called peripheral veins. The catheter is guided through the peripheral vein into a central vein near your child's heart.
Why may my child need a PICC?
- Your child needs to have blood drawn often.
- Your child will be given medicines often, or he or she needs medicines that must work quickly.
- Your child's central venous pressure needs to be monitored.
- Your child needs IV medicines after he or she leaves the hospital. The PICC allows your child to get his or her medicines at home.
- Your child cannot eat or drink anything by mouth.
What do I need to know about how a PICC is placed?
- Your child will get local anesthesia to numb the area. The catheter will be put into a vein. It will be guided up until the tip is in the vena cava. This is an area close to your child's heart. Ultrasound or x-ray pictures will be used to make sure the catheter is in the correct position. The other end of the catheter will stay outside your child's body.
- The catheter will be flushed with liquid. Heparin may be used to flush the line to prevent blood clots. Medicine will be placed at the insertion site (the place where it goes into your child's skin). The medicine helps prevent an infection at the site.
- The catheter will be secured to your child's skin with a dressing. The dressing holds it in place, keeps it clean, and helps prevent infection. The dressing will be clear so you can check the insertion site for signs of infection. Another x-ray helps make sure the catheter is in the right place and is ready for your child to use.
- Healthcare providers will watch your child for problems during the PICC placement. He or she could have bleeding when the PICC is inserted. An infection could develop at the insertion site. An infection that enters your child's bloodstream can cause serious illness. Rarely, your child's lung could get pierced when the PICC is inserted. This can cause a collapsed lung.
What will healthcare providers teach me about the PICC?
Depending on your child's age, he or she may also be taught the following:
- Supplies you need to keep on hand to use, care for, and flush the PICC
- How to use the PICC, and when to keep it clamped
- How and when to flush and care for the PICC
- Problems that may develop, such as a hole in the catheter, and what to do to fix the problems
- How to bathe and do daily activities with a PICC in place
- How to prevent infections
- Signs and symptoms of an infection to watch for and what to do if an infection develops
How can an infection be prevented?
The area around your child's catheter may get infected, or he or she may get an infection in his or her bloodstream. A bloodstream infection is called a central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). A CLABSI is caused by bacteria getting into your child's bloodstream through the catheter. This can lead to severe illness. The following are ways you can help prevent an infection:
- Wash your hands and your child's hands often. Use soap or an alcohol-based hand rub. Clean your hands before and after you touch the catheter or the catheter site. Remind anyone who cares for your child's catheter to wash his or her hands. Teach your child not to handle or play with the PICC.
- Limit contact with the catheter. Do not touch or handle your child's catheter unless you need to care for it. Do not pull, push on, or move the catheter when you clean his or her skin or change the dressing. Wear clean medical gloves when you touch the catheter or change dressings.
- Keep the area covered and dry. Keep a sterile dressing over the catheter site. Wrap the insertion site with plastic and seal it with medical tape before your child bathes. Have your child take showers instead of baths. Do not let your child swim or soak in a hot tub.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
Further information
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