PICC Line
Strategies for Difficult Line Removals
Persistent Resistance During Withdrawal
• Reposition the patient or affected limb
With some PICCs, resistance may be related to vasospasm. Continuous heat promotes vasodilation, which will make the removal easier
• Replace dressing and tape catheter
• Apply continuous heat to the venous pathway from insertion site up to axilla for 10 minutes
• Other tips include applying a warm compress to the patient’s hand or giving them a warm beverage
• Reattempt removal
• If still met with resistance, apply a dressing to the site and reattempt in 12-24 hours
Catheter Breaks During Withdrawal
• If the catheter breaks during removal but is still long enough to be pulled, clamp the catheter and continue removal
• If the catheter breaks in the patient’s vein: immobilize the arm and keep the patient still. Place the patient in Trendelenburg position and contact IVR immediately
• Reposition the patient or affected limb
With some PICCs, resistance may be related to vasospasm. Continuous heat promotes vasodilation, which will make the removal easier
• Replace dressing and tape catheter
• Apply continuous heat to the venous pathway from insertion site up to axilla for 10 minutes
• Other tips include applying a warm compress to the patient’s hand or giving them a warm beverage
• Reattempt removal
• If still met with resistance, apply a dressing to the site and reattempt in 12-24 hours
Catheter Breaks During Withdrawal
• If the catheter breaks during removal but is still long enough to be pulled, clamp the catheter and continue removal
• If the catheter breaks in the patient’s vein: immobilize the arm and keep the patient still. Place the patient in Trendelenburg position and contact IVR immediately