I have a 38 year old sickle cell patient with chronic avascular necrosis in both shoulder joints. I question the safety of PICC lines in her arms due to the existence of this condition in her shoulder joints. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
Amy Graham BSN
Memorial Hospital Belleville, IL
My first thought is - what would be the difference in risk between a PICC and any other type of CVAD due to this condition? If the collaborative assessment finds that the risk is the same, then I think you would have to look at other factors for the basis of your VAD decision. Are you most concerned about infection? Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
My concern would be in comprimising the blood flow to a shoulder joint that is already suffering from lack of blood flow. Is the PICC line going to exacerbate the shoulder joint?
Amy
I don't know the answer to your question. I think you should discuss your concerns with the physican and make a collaborative decision. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861