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Amy Graham
Avascular Necrosis in both shoulder joints

 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

lynncrni
 My first thought is - what

 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

Amy Graham
Blood flow

 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 

lynncrni
 I don't know the answer to

 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

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