This question comes up from time to time... Is it okay to use a PICC with a known thrombus that is located on the outside of the catheter in the upper arm (not near the tip)? Pt is receiving anticoagulation and has poor vascular access and needs to go to surgery. They want to use the line. Is this okay?
thank you,
Shari
IF the tip is in the correct location at the cavoatrial junction, AND there is a blood return, AND there are no signs and symptoms of any type of infection, then leave the PICC in place and use it. See INS Standards on CVAD Associated Thrombosis. 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