Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs)

PICC stands for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter. This is a sterile procedure performed by a nurse on the IV team or physician who is skilled at placing PICCs.

Before the procedure actually begins, you will have an opportunity to ask the nurse or physician any questions you may have regarding the placement of this catheter.

What is a PICC?

PICC stands for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter. This is a sterile procedure performed by a nurse on the IV team or physician who is skilled at placing PICCs.

Before the procedure actually begins, you will have an opportunity to ask the nurse or physician any questions you may have regarding the placement of this catheter.

The Procedure

After the nurse or physician washes his/her hands, the procedure will begin with a sterile draping of the arm. For safety, they will wear gloves and a mask. You, too, may be asked to wear a mask. Next, your arm will be cleaned with a special soap to get rid of as many bacteria as possible. Even though this is cold, it is important for you to keep your arm still until the catheter has been placed.

"Will I be knocked out for this?"

Generally, older children will be awake for the procedure. Small children may be sedated if necessary on an individual case.

"Does it hurt?"

There is some discomfort when it is placed, similar to that experienced when an IV is started. We will generally numb the area with a special cream called Emla®. Although a PICC catheter sits directly above the heart, there is no pain or discomfort in your child's chest.

How is the PICC placed?

Once the vein is entered, a sterile, soft catheter (PICC) that might be up to 22 inches long will be threaded slowly up the blood vessel in your arm. The PICC follows the path from the bend in your arm and ends just above your heart.

Why do I need a PICC?

Peripheral IVs such as those put in the hand or forearm, are not used when certain drugs are ordered. Veins in the arms or legs are thin and will not last very long. Because of this several IVs may be needed if a PICC is not placed. Your veins close to your heart are much larger; therefore strong medications can be given without pain. Additionally, larger PICC lines can be used to draw blood samples without the need for additional needle sticks.

"What will it look like?"

After the procedure is finished, a sterile dressing will be placed over the area (see illustration). A chest X-ray will be done to confirm that the PICC is in the right place before it can be used. Feel free to bend your arm and move around as you did before. Your PICC can remain in your arm for as long as you need it, typically from one week to 3 months.

Typical appearance of the catheter as it will look after the PICC is placed. Note your child will be able to move their arm, though possibly not as easily as without the PICC in place. Smaller children may need to wear a more restrictive dressing so that the catheter does not move.

Just in case...

There may be a temporary small amount of bleeding after the insertion. Infection is a rare complications with a PICC. The symptoms to watch for are redness, swelling drainage, pain and/or fever. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of those symptoms.

This information is provided by the University of Michigan Department of Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. For additional health information, please contact your health care provider or our offices.