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New PICC Developments
Several new areas of
development in PICC technology have significantly increased
the spectrum of PICC uses and indications.
Product Advancements:
Most PICC insertions
are performed utilizing ultrasound technology to visualize
to deep, large vessels in the upper arm. However, when
the catheter was advanced, little could be done to verify
that the catheter progressed in the optimal direction.
That has changed. Today, a significant number of PICC
insertions are performed using electromagnetic visualization
resulting in more accurate placement. A temporary magnetic
tip in the catheter is detected by a location system
which confirms general placement. This has resulted
in more accurate placements of PICC lines. In addition
PICCs can be utilized for a number of interventional
vascular procedures, particularly in interventional
cardiology replacing subclavian or jugular venous techniques.
Some PICC products even allow for the safe injection
of contrast materials through the lines as they have
the ability to withstand great amounts of pressure.
Cardiac Monitoring
of Central Venous Pressure:
With current technology,
PICC lines now perform functions which previously required
dedicated pressure transducers. Central venous pressure
measurements can be obtained to monitor heart function
in the intensive care and cardiac units. Therefore,
a multi-lumened PICC can offer not only more than one
line for IV access but provide a method for patient
monitoring as well.
Multiple Lumes and
for Multiple Access:
PICCs with multiple
lumens, or ports for infusing, can be used simultaneously
for different purposes such as drawing blood, infusing
medications or IV fluids, administering TPN, or monitoring
central venous pressure. Therefore, with a triple lumen
catheter, for example, three separate and distinct access
lines are available with one cannulation. The risk of
drug incompatibility is virtually non-existent as it
is place in a large, central vein. Occlusion is also
minimized because of the blood flow in that large vein.
Also, the life of a PICC is up to one year with proper
care and maintenance thereby eliminating numerous venipunctures
that may otherwise be required when multiple uses are
required.
Neonatal PICC:
This has become a valuable
adjunct in the treatment of various neonatal disorders
and is a rapidly developing area for interventions and
delivering treatments.
Currently and worldwide,
PICC programs are available providing specialized individuals
and teams to place PICCs, and in so doing, addressing
health care requirements. With a PICC line in place,
patients can be discharged, perhaps at home, into an
environment that is conducive for a faster recovery
than at a hospital. Further, due to an earlier discharge,
hospitalization costs are decreased.
As technology improves
current products and techniques, and due to the demand
of the nursing profession from health care providers
and requirements of reducing hospitalization costs,
PICC lines will be a new standard in health care regimens.
The consumer health information
on this Website is for informational and educational
purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice
or treatment for any medical conditions.
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