Comparison of three peripherally- inserted central catheters: pilot study

Peripherally-inserted central catheters (PICC) are long catheters inserted into one of the major veins in the antecubital fossa, or upper arm, and advanced into the central veins. The tip is located in the lower superior vena cava (SVC) (National Association of Vascular Access Networks [NAVAN], 1998; Royal College of Nursing [RCN], 2003; Infusion Nurses Society, 2006). Since the creation of the first nurse-led PICC insertion team in 1994 (Hamilton et al, 1995), the usage of PICCs in the UK has increased exponentially, with more nurses establishing and leading PICC teams. PICCs are largely used for administering chemotherapy, The most common complications related to PICCs are: n Possible vein irritation and thrombosis n Catheter occlusion n Catheter-associated infection n Breakage of the catheter n Difficulties making the necessary adjustment to the patient’s lifestyle.