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The PICC clinic is a nurse led service based at Walton Community Hospital and currently runs every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
You will be given an appointment time slot to attend and see the community nurse, who will support you in the management of your PICC line.
If you are unwell/unable to attend the nurse will make arrangements with you, to see you at home.
Your consultant will have recommended that you have a PICC Line inserted as part of the care you are receiving, this may be for various reasons.
This type of device is recommended for patients who have a prolonged course of intravenous treatment (medicine into your veins).
This makes it possible for you to have treatment without having needles frequently inserted into your veins.
A PICC line can stay in place for six to eight months and can be used for:
PICC stands for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter. A PICC Line is a long, hollow and flexible tube that is inserted into one of the large veins in your arm.
PICC Lines are usually inserted into a vein just above the bend of your elbow and the tip sits in a large vein in your chest.
They can be single or double lumen (small tube).
The specialist community nursing team will review your PICC line on a weekly basis. They will clean the insertion site, flush the line with saline to keep it open, change both the fixation device and dressing.
The nurse can also disconnect treatments such as chemotherapy, take bloods from your PICC line and remove a PICC line with appropriate authorisation from your Consultant.
It is important that the clear adhesive dressing is kept dry at all times. You will be provided with information on how to obtain a limbo sleeve (plastic cover) to use when washing.
Do not allow the PICC line to sit in water as this may cause infection.
Where required only use wipes provided or recommended by your clinical team. Non-sterile alcohol-free wipes are not suitable for use around your PICC line.
Try to avoid resistance training exercises such as golf or tennis that may dislodge the PICC line or accidently pull it out. Please ask the specialist nurse if you are unsure whether any activity you do will have to be paused.
Like other types of central lines, insertion of a PICC line carries a small risk of complications which are described below.
The specialist nurse can explain these to you:
Infection - There is a small risk of infection. This can happen anytime while the PICC line is in place. Every precaution is taken when placing the line and each time it is accessed. Where required, only use wipes provided or recommended by your clinical team. Non-sterile alcohol-free wipes are not suitable for use around your PICC line.
Thrombus or clot - This can form around the line. Patients who have blood clots often report to having a painful and swollen arms. You must contact the oncology/medical team hotline immediately or 111 so it can be treated.
Malposition - In some cases, the tip of the line may not be in the correct position. A chest x-ray would be needed to check position and the nurse specialist nurse may have to adjust the line accordingly.
Most PICC lines are trouble free, but please contact your health care provider or oncology hotline if you notice any of the following:
Please contact your Oncology/Medical team or attend your local Hospital Emergency department if you are concerned about signs of infection.
At the end of your treatment your PICC line can be easily removed:
There will be no bleeding or pain and the wound will heal naturally.
If you have any questions about the procedure, your treatment or PICC line care, please ask the nurse looking after you. You may be given further information or contact details from the area where you are being treated.
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