Pick lines

coloCan said:

PICC serves same purpose as port; goes in via upper,inner
arm, inch or so below armpit then into heart, i think, like port (i had a port that became defective, two piccs-one after another and a partridge in a pear tree) PICC needs to be flushed weekly, if i recall, with saline solution and heperin (i think)and its more delicate than port in that it can fall out if you're not too careful (my second one was sewn to my arm AND i still managed to completely loosen it between last dose and official removal). You can get blood drawn from it and infusion pumped into it. See if chemo nurse will show you how to flush;unhook pump-(if need be),at home.I think you're not supposed to get it wet tho ask about this.Also, while a port may last for years, a picc is not so durable.....However,you don't want infusion directly into veins-did that twice with oxi and it wasn't pleaseureable.....

John23 said:

PICC

My original PICC had been in since last 2/2011, and worked just
dandy until I accidentally caught the tubing on a box I was carrying.
and pulled it out. They put a new one on the following week, and
I just make sure the tubing is covered and not dangling free.

A PICC can last for years with proper care. Mine is used for
the administering of hydration fluids, and I flush prior to using
each bag of saline (3x nightly), and at the end of use. After the
final use (for the day/night) the PICC is flushed with saline, and
one shot of heparin is injected to help insure the valves and tubing
will not suffer clotting.

With both the "Port" and the "PICC", any infection in the body
will result with the Port or PICC being removed until the infection
clears. While the Port requires an operation to install or remove,
the PICC requires no "operation", only a sterile setting suffices.

My first PICC was placed while I was in a "recovery room",
and the second was done at the hospital, in a special room
designed for ports placement, PICC, IV, etc.

The nurse that came to our home, places PICC lines with the
patient at their own home, so there is no need for special settings,
or a full-blown surgical setting.

The PORT must be placed in the chest, while a PICC can be
installed in either arm, chest, abdomen, or leg. (I was surprised
to hear that!).

The PICC tubing is tiny, and runs inside a return vein that leads
directly to the heart. It does not enter the heart, it's just placed
far enough into the vein so that it won't "snake out" easily.

The PICC is maintained by replacing the sterile surface wrap
each week. It's a fairly simple process to remove the old tape,
wash the area, and replace with new tape. They provide kits
to use for at home care. My wife helps (since you need two
hands to do this), but it's simple to do.

Personally, I prefer the PICC to a port.

Be well!

John

thxmiker said:

A Pick line is older
A Pick line is older technology compared to the port to do the same thing.

Best Always, mike

John23 said:

Mike -

The way it was explained to me, was that a "port" is a "bladder"
(with a line similar to the PICC that enters the vein), that is placed
under the skin. The "bladder" is to accept a large quantity of
chemicals to be released into the blood stream. The PICC does
not have a "bladder", so there is no need for a surgical opening
for placement.

A PICC is far from "old technology", and each of the devices have
it's purpose, although either can be used for each other's purpose.

For me... a "port" is overkill. For daily hydration, there would
have to be a device added that is akin to an IV fitting. And that fitting
would have to be changed weekly or bi-weekly. They would have to
install the IV fitting into the Port's bag and leave it there for my daily use.

I personally do not care for either device, but of a choice between
open surgery to place a bag (port) inside my body, near my lung and
heart....... or simply have a "long line IV" placed, without having
any open surgery..... I would always choose the latter.

Good health to you and yours!

John