Nerve damage secondary to removal of fractured PICC fragment

To increase awareness of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) fracture and necessary nursing assessment to identify development of nerve injury after removal of the PICC fracture.

This is a case review of a cancer patient with fractured PICC and the postoperative symptoms leading to nerve injury.

The reason for PICC fracture is the fragility of silicon. Secondary surgical intervention of a PICC fragment resulted in nerve damage from a hematoma placing pressure on the median nerve in the arm.

It is necessary to use power injectable polyurethane PICCs. It is vital to have a clear understanding of signs and symptoms of nerve impingement in the arm when monitoring a post-operative patient. Assessment of neurological status, circulation, swelling and patient complaints of pain are all necessary functions of the nurse in caring for this type of patient.