Are you struggling with a chronic illness such as cancer, Lyme disease, or another autoimmune concern? If so, you might require protracted care with medications that must be taken intravenously as the stomach disintegrates the drugs before they reach the bloodstream. Thanks to developments in medical technology, patients who need this type of therapy for an extended period or are afraid of or have problems with IV insertion can benefit from PICC line placements. Not only does this ensure that drugs are delivered directly to your bloodstream, but it also reduces the trauma of repeated needle pricks. Whereas you can access port-a-cath, PICC line insertion, and other vascular access options at i- VASCULAR center, this post will primarily concentrate on San Antonio PICC line placement and how you can care for it yourself.
Understanding the Procedure of PICC Line Placement
A PICC line is inserted into your veins to administer fluids, drugs, or blood products continuously. These lines are often used for patients undergoing cancer therapy or other severe conditions that require access to a patient’s veins for several weeks or up to six months. To install the PICC line, your physician inserts a long thin tube, known as a catheter, from an arm vein into the central vein in the heart (the superior vena cava) under the supervision of X-ray imaging. An external site will continue to offer access throughout the patient’s continuous therapy.
What Are the At-Home Care Guidelines for Your PICC?
Before you leave the clinic, your provider will educate you and your caregivers on maintaining your PICC in good condition. You also need to understand how long you might need the PICC and when to arrange a follow-up appointment. Some of the general care guidelines include:
- To protect the PICC from clotting, flush it not less than twice daily
- The PICC dressing is used to keep the access site clean and keep the PICC in position. A nurse should switch this dressing and the cap once a week. For children, somebody might have to hold them still throughout the dressing change.
- If the dressing is loose and is not covering your PICC, contact your specialist to have the dressing changed
- Cover the PICC with a protective wrap at all times. This wrap prevents the PICC from being pulled or tugged and is only taken out once the PICC is in use.
- When bathing, maintain the PICC dry by covering it in plastic wrap or a bag
- Anybody who looks after your kid must understand how to care for their PICC, how to spot difficulties, and what to do if an issue arises
- A nurse removes the PICC at the end of the therapy, whether at the clinic or at home
When to Talk To a Specialist about Your PICC?
If you follow the doctor’s instructions and safety guidelines, you will hardly experience issues with your PICC. Nonetheless, sometimes problems do arise even with proper care. Some of the common problems with PICC include infections, clogging or blocking of the PICC, air lodging in the bloodstream, etc.
Unless you are well-versed in PICC, you will barely identify any of these concerns. However, you can identify the more noticeable effects of a problem with your PICC. Call your specialist if you or your kid experiences the following:
- Fever
- Chest discomfort or difficulties breathing
- Drowsiness, sweating, and chills
- Any inflammation, drainage, or redness around the PICC
- Itching or rashes
PICC lines have been discovered to be a safer and less traumatic way of administering intravenous drugs to the superior vena cava, where they can be pumped out via the bloodstream by the heart. With appropriate care, a PICC line could be placed and utilized for one week to a year. To learn more about the PICC line and how to care for your placement effectively, call the i- VASCULAR center office or book an appointment online today.