One of the most delicate organs of your body is typically the heart. It is responsible for various transport duties of nutrients and waste to and from different body parts. Therefore, any issues affecting your heart may make it impossible to carry out your daily activities. Luckily, there is a wide array of treatment solutions for dealing with these problems. San Antonio PICC Line placement is an example of techniques used for heart issues. More about what it is about is discussed further below.
What is PICC Line placement?
A peripherally inserted central catheter is a long, slender tube introduced to a vein in your arm and transferred to more extensive veins close to the heart. On rare occasions, the PICC line can be put in your leg.
It aims to give the physician a clear path to the large veins close to the heart. It is used to provide liquid nutrition or drugs. This avoids unnecessary pain or regular needle marks while decreasing the chances of the smaller veins of your arms getting irritated.
The PICC line must be monitored and cared for with caution for blood clots and infection complications. In-depth discussions with your physician are crucial before determining whether to get the method done. Other kinds of catheters reach the large veins in your chest apart from a PICC line, including central lines and implantable ports.
The device introduces drugs and other treatments to the central veins close to your heart. It may be suitable when your treatment plans need regular needle sticks for blood draws or medicine. It is typically temporary, being appropriate for treatment lasting a few weeks.
A PICC line is mainly used for:
- Liquid Nutrition
This may be because your body may be unable to process food for nutrients due to issues with the digestive system; thus, liquid nutrients are delivered directly.
- Cancer Treatments
Targeted therapy drugs and chemotherapy can be introduced to the body and veins through the PICC line
- Infection treatments
Antifungals and antibiotics can be administered via the line for severe infections
- Other medications
Drugs that irritate your smaller veins may require the services of a PICC line to decrease that risk. Veins in the chest have more blood volume, thus diluting the drugs quicker, inhibiting the risk of vein injury.
Blood transfusion draws and getting material before imaging tests are some of the uses of the PICC line after installation.
As with most procedures, the PICC line has complications that include:
- Nerve injury
- Bleeding
- Damage to veins in the arm
- Irregular heartbeat
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Broken or blocked PICC line
Preparation for getting the procedure involves:
- Imaging tests like ultrasounds or x-rays to formulate pictures of veins to be used
- Blood tests for enough platelets for clotting
- An in-depth discussion about your medical history to identify underlying conditions
Any problems affecting your heart or areas around it are sensitive and must be approached cautiously as they may be life or death. Check out our website or call our offices in San Antonio, TX, for any questions about PICC lines.
