Thursday, January 22, 2009

**SOU'S PICC LINE**






SOU GETTING HIS DRESSINGS CHANGED.

A PICC line is a more recent development using a line which is inserted into one of the large veins in the arm (usually near the bend of the elbow) from where it is threaded into the superior vena cava. The initials PICC stand for peripherally inserted central catheter.

PICC lines are normally inserted as an outpatient. Some local anaesthetic cream is applied to the skin which usually ensures the insertion is painless. The procedure takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Once the PICC line is in place it will be taped firmly to the skin with a special transparent dressing to stop it coming out of the vein. A chest x-ray will then be taken to check the position of the line before it is used. The PICC line can be used for taking blood for blood tests, giving chemotherapy drugs or giving blood transfusions.

http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/QAs/569

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