Learn About the Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter (PICC)

PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter): Transcript: There are a number of procedures you may require over the course of your treatment. One of them is a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (or PICC for short). It’s a long, flexible tube used to deliver fluids and/or medication into your body through a vein in your arm. Using a needle and local anesthetic, a radiologist or certified nurse will insert a thin wire to guide the catheter into a large vein leading to your heart. Once inserted, the PICC catheter will allow direct delivery of medication or fluids for several weeks without having to use a needle or IV each time. Regular care must be taken to ensure the catheter is working correctly and the dressings remain dry and clean. For example, PICC catheters require a flush of saline or other fluids at least once a week to ensure proper flow. Your nursing team will show you how this simple procedure is done. When no longer required, the P