When you have cancer or another illness that requires frequent needle sticks, you may benefit from a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line. At Vascular & Interventional Specialists, the providers offer PICC line insertion procedures on an outpatient basis to provide easy access to the veins near your heart. They can also remove the line when it’s no longer needed. Call the Miami, Florida, office to schedule a PICC line insertion consultation or book an appointment online today.
PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line is a long, thin tube that goes in a vein in your arm or leg and passes through to larger veins near your heart.
A PICC line provides access to the central veins near your heart, so your physician can deliver medications or liquid nutrition directly to the area. That eliminates the need for frequent injections and irritation of your smaller veins.
The Vascular & Interventional Specialists team provides PICC line insertion procedures on an outpatient basis. They can also perform PICC line removal procedures.
You may be a candidate for the PICC line insertion services available at Vascular & Interventional Specialists if you have a medical condition that requires frequent injections of medications or blood testing, such as infections or cancer.
The providers may also recommend a PICC line if you have issues absorbing nutrients from your diet due to underlying digestive issues.
PICC lines are usually temporary and typically left in place for a few weeks before the providers remove them.
During your PICC line insertion procedure at Vascular & Interventional Specialists, your provider may use ultrasound technology to identify the healthiest veins in your arm or leg.
They place the PICC line in the selected vein by inserting a needle into your vein. They guide the catheter inside the vein up towards your heart. To confirm the correct position of the catheter, the providers rely on the guidance of real-time X-ray technology (fluoroscopy).
The opposite end of the catheter will stick out of your arm, so the providers place a cap over it to protect it from germs and other debris. They can also tape the line to your skin so it doesn’t get in your way. Resources are available to teach you how to care for your PICC line.
When you no longer need a PICC line, the providers gently pull the catheter from your vein during an in-office procedure.
Call the Vascular & Interventional Specialists office to schedule a PICC line insertion consultation or book an appointment online today.