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Neonatal and pediatric perspectives in PICC placement
1Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California 94304, USA.
Insights
Peripherally inserted central catheters provide reliable vascular access for critically ill children. These central catheters can be safely used for outpatient care when appropriate.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nursing
- Vascular Access Devices
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Vascular access is a critical challenge in pediatric acute and critical care.
- Establishing and maintaining appropriate vascular access devices is an ongoing nursing concern.
- Incorrect device selection can impede or delay patient therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) as a type of vascular access device.
- To highlight the utility of PICCs in pediatric patients.
- To discuss the appropriate use of PICCs for pediatric outpatient care.
Main Methods:
- Review of vascular access device types.
- Definition and description of peripherally inserted central catheters.
- Discussion of patient assessment for device selection.
Main Results:
- Peripherally inserted central catheters are inserted via a peripheral vein with the catheter tip in the superior or inferior vena cava.
- PICCs offer reliable and stable vascular access in pediatric patients.
- Appropriate pediatric patients with PICCs can be discharged to outpatient settings.
Conclusions:
- Peripherally inserted central catheters are a valuable vascular access option for pediatric patients.
- Proper patient assessment is crucial for selecting the correct vascular access device.
- PICCs facilitate continuity of care for pediatric patients transitioning to outpatient settings.
Abstract:
The nurse providing care to the acute or critically ill child is all too familiar with the issues surrounding vascular access. Establishing and maintaining the correct access device is an ongoing problem. There are several types of vascular access devices available to the patient. Before placing any device, a thorough assessment of the patient is necessary. Choosing the wrong device can delay or interrupt the application of therapy. A peripherally inserted central catheter is one example of a vascular access device, and it is defined as a catheter inserted via a peripheral vein with the tip residing in the superior or inferior vena cava. This type of central catheter is commonly used in pediatric patients because it can offer reliable and stable vascular access. When appropriate, children with peripherally inserted central catheters can be discharged to the outpatient setting.
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