[Complications with peripherally inserted central catheters - observations and nursing experiences at one medical...

Its peripheral vein puncture point, safe insertion procedure and high rate of success have made the peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) a particularly suitable medical device for cancer patients who require long-term intravenous chemotherapy. PICC can help avoid the pain of repeat punctures as well as reduce incidence of cytotoxic drug extravasation-induced phlebitis and tissue necrosis. With PICC, patient activity is not limited, which improves quality of life. This paper reported on complications and subsequent nursing care provided to 400 cancer patients who received PICC in our center between September 2007 and October 2008. A total of 395 cases had successful PICC insertion on the first attempt and 5 cases achieved success immediately following the second insertion attempt (overall success rate: 98.8%). The average catheter dwell-in time was 122 days (range 2-350 days), during which time no patient required repeat puncture. During the insertion process, arrhythmia occurred in 1.5% (6/400), difficult catheter propelling in 3.75% (15/400), and excessive oozing of blood in 0.3% (1/400) of subjects. During the catheter dwell-in period, sensitizing dermatitis occurred in 8% (38/400), mechanical phlebitis in 7.5% (30/400), catheter occlusion in 9.5% (38/400) (including 2% [8/400] complete and 7.5% [30/400] partial occlusions), catheter associated hematogenous infection in 3% (12/400) and venous thrombosis in 2% (8/400) of subjects. All complications were well controlled with active and effective management. In conclusion, the safety of PICC can be maximized and complications reduced when nurses fully evaluate patients prior to their operation, strictly adhere to PICC operating guidelines, detect complications early, and manage problems promptly.