A percutaneously inserted central catheter (PICC) is a long, very thin, soft plastic tube that is placed in a small blood vessel. This article discusses PICCs in babies.

WHY IS A PICC USED?

The primary reason for a PICC is to deliver fluids and medicine over a long period of time without having to frequently replace an IV. A regular IV usually last only 1-3 days before needing to be replaced. A PICC can often be kept in for 2-3 weeks, or longer. Infants most likely to benefit from a PICC include those who are very immature, who have bowel problems that prevent feeding, or who need to take IV medicines for a long time.

HOW IS A PICC PLACED?

The baby will be given pain medicine. The health care provider will make place a hollow needle into a small vein, usually in the arm or leg. The PICC is moved through the needle to a big vein near (but not in) the heart. The position of the PICC is determined by an x-ray. Sometimes a special dye is used to make it easier to see the PICC on the x-ray.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF A PICC?

Sometimes, despite several attempts, a PICC cannot be properly positioned. There is a small risk of infection. The longer the PICC is in the greater the risk for infection. Though the catheters are very soft and flexible, at times they can wear away the blood vessel wall, causing the IV fluid or medication to leak into the nearby areas of the body.

In very rare cases, the wall of the heart can wear away (erode) and cause serious bleeding and poor heart function. Another very rare complication is breaking of the catheter in the blood vessel.