Does anyone have any information stating that it is okay to place a PICC in both arms? Â We have not had this issue before, and a doctor is asking if we can do it. The patient is on multiple drips and TPN and he wants a triple lumen in each arm.
Thanks]
Jenne King
Hi Jenne,
I have done this before for the same type situation. I placed a triple lumen in one arm and a few days later the pt. got worse and they asked for another. I placed a triple lumen in the other arm. No problems whatsoever with placement and the patient actually did improve with time and was discharged with 1 PICC remaining with homehealth.
Beth
Beth George, CRNI, VA-BC
Nurse Clinician/Vascular Access
UAB Medicine
Birmingham, AL
I have also done it without problems. It hasn't been necessary more than a few times. There were no complications. A PICC is a much smaller lumen than a dialysis catheter, and there are many times we have had a patient with a PICC on one side and a dialysis catheter on the other. I would have no problem doing this if it was warranted.
Halle Utter, RN, BSN
[email protected]
Intravenous Care, INC
Hallene E Utter, RN, BSN Intravenous Care, INC