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Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs): Best Practice
January 16, 2023

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs): Best Practice

The ideal situation would be that every vascular access device inserted remained complication free until treatment was complete. Unfortunately, this is a rare situation. It is quite common to be faced with issues with any vascular access devices including PICCs. According to a study by Grau et al. (2017), PICCs have a low rates of infections and thrombotic complications. This study claimed that occlusion and accidental withdrawal were the most common complications. This article will focus on some of these more common complications

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Caring for your PICC line: What Patients Need to Know
December 31, 2022

Caring for your PICC line: What Patients Need to Know

Peripherally inserted central catheter is a form of IV access. The catheter is inserted in a vein usually located in the arm with the catheter tip terminating in a large vein close to the heart. While in the hospital, nurses will care for the PICC line. They will assess the insertion site, inspect the dressing, check for leakage, perform flushing maintenance and act according to the outcomes. The PICC can be a long term IV access device and patients may be discharged home with the PICC in place to continue with treatments instead of requiring additional hospitalization. Therefore, the patient must be informed of general PICC line care so he is comfortable with it and is aware of circumstances that require alerting healthcare professionals of possible complication.

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Understanding the Concept of Vessel Health and Preservation
November 30, 2022

Understanding the Concept of Vessel Health and Preservation

Vascular access is the commonest invasive procedure performed on hospitalised patients, but it is not without complications1. Complications can include phlebitis, localised infection, blood stream infection, thrombus, infiltration and extravasation, and all are preventable1.

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Midline catheter: placement and maintenance protocol
October 31, 2022

Midline catheter: placement and maintenance protocol

Midline catheters must be placed by trained and specialised personnel. Although handling and maintenance do not require the intervention of a vascular access specialist, a series of requirements must be met to ensure proper functioning.

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