Just wondering if anyone has any information on harm vs benefit of using a sequential compression device on the lower forearm of an arm with a picc line?
One of our doctors just started ordering this in his patients to prevent DVT / clot formation similar to what is instituted in lower extremities to prevent dvt formation in pts with decreased mobility.
Any thoughts or information on this would be very helpful. Of course this is being used below the picc.
Thanks again.
Never heard of this technique nor have ever seen any studies using it. Just thinking about the causes of catheter-associated thrombus, I question the validity of this practice. Catheter size too large for vein, endothelial damage, tip location, are the primary factors. So I don't understand how external compression distal to the PICC insertion would make any difference. Of course, a clinical study would be the best way to answer this question. Eager to read what others think.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
www.hadawayassociates.com
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
It seems to me that venous stasis created simply by the presence of the catheter, coupled with immobility of the extremity (ICU, restrained, sedated) could be benefited by this technique.
Tell your doc to start collecting data. This has been a question that I have had for years.
Cheryl
Cheryl Kelley RN BSN, VA-BC