PICC Lines in Pregnancy and Other Peripartum Vascular Access Considerations

To decrease associated infectious and thrombotic morbidity, it is important to understand the indications and risks of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and other vascular access means in pregnancy.

The objectives are 3-fold: (1) discuss indications and contraindications, approach to placement, and associated complications for PICC lines, arterial catheters, centrally inserted central catheters, and peripheral intravenous catheters; (2) review available data regarding complications associated with these catheters in pregnancy; and (3) propose an evidence-based approach to clinical decision making regarding vascular access in 2 clinical scenarios among pregnant patients.

A literature review identified relevant research, review articles, textbook chapters, databases, and societal guidelines, with a focus on obstetrical anesthesia and obstetric literature.

Data on vascular access complications in pregnancy are limited; therefore, rates of complications are extrapolated from studies including nonpregnant subjects. Catheter choice is dependent on resuscitation requirements, monitoring indications, parenteral therapeutic needs, need for inpatient versus outpatient care, and anticipated duration of use.

All pregnant patients require vascular access. A subset requires more invasive catheters for management of specific conditions such as trauma in pregnancy, postpartum hemorrhage, and puerperal sepsis. In addition, vascular access plays an important role in operative planning for patients with placenta accreta spectrum disorder and fetal disorders requiring intrauterine surgery. Gaining an understanding of the types of catheters and their associated complications will allow obstetricians, family medicine physicians, midwives, nurses, intensivists, and anesthesiologists to make informed decisions regarding catheter selection and management.