I would appreciate any information or literature anyone can direct me to regarding risk of thrombosis when inserting piccs in quadriplegic patients. I was taught that quadriplegic patients were at higher risk of developing DVTs with picc insertion but one of the surgeons here at our hospital adamantly denies this. I would like to see some data one way or another. Thanks!
I did recall reading an article regarding central line (including PICC's) placement and the incidence of thrombosis. I will try to find it and reference it for you. In the article there was no significant increase in the risk of thrombosis in quadrapalegic patients.
This was a small retrospective study.
Loupus, D., Schuetrumpf, S. and Vazquez, L.F. (2008) A Retrospective Review of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters and Upper Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis in Persons with Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries. Journal of the Association for Vascular Access. 13(2), p.82-87.
Jeffery Fizer RN, BSN