TRIPLE LUMEN CATHETER VS PICC LINE HOW TO
TRIPLE LUMEN CATHETER VS PICC LINE SKIN

When access to the port is not needed, the port needs to be flushed once a month.

TRIPLE LUMEN CATHETER VS PICC LINE HOW TO

If you like, you or a family member can learn how to do this. A nurse, either in the hospital or in the clinic, usually accesses the port. When you no longer need to use the port, the dressing and needle are removed, leaving the intact skin. The IV tubing protrudes from the dressing, allowing you to connect it to your medication. The needle is connected to the IV tubing and capped.Ī dressing (type of bandage) is then applied to protect the area to keep out air, dirt, and germs where the IV is inserted. If you prefer, a numbing cream can be used.

TRIPLE LUMEN CATHETER VS PICC LINE SKIN

This fine-gauge needle is inserted through the skin into the rubber round part of the port. When medications or other fluids are needed intravenously, the device is reached using a small, right-angled needle (only this type of needle should be used with the port). You will not need to wear a bandage after the incision is healed unless the port is being used.īecause the device is completely under the skin, it must be accessed to be used. There is usually a small bump, about the size of a nickel. No part of the device lies outside the skin. The port is made of two parts: a medical-grade rubber catheter, which is placed in a large vein in the chest (similar to the location of the PICC catheter), and the 'port' which is attached to this catheter.īoth of these parts are 'implanted,' that is, placed completely beneath the skin. When someone gets a port placed, they will not need IV catheters like peripheral IVs or PICC lines (unless more than one access is required). It can be used for antibiotics, IV nutrition, and other IV fluids. What Is a Port?Īn implanted port is a device that allows repeated and long-term access to your bloodstream. When it is time to give medicine, the medicine is connected to the PICC line and disconnected again when the medicine is finished. The PICC line can be flushed and capped when not in use. They typically receive one round of antibiotic treatments before the PICC is removed.īecause the tube is so small and flexible, the line can last several weeks, which means fewer needle pokes and less pain. PICCs are intended for temporary use for people who need therapy only once or twice a year. Your care team will use the PICC line to give IV medications or fluids. This is a type of PICC, but it is a bit shorter and usually goes through a vein in the upper arms. You may hear the term 'midline' catheter. They are occasionally placed through a vein on the side of the neck or near the collar bone. PICCs are often placed just above or just below the elbow. This tube is threaded into a large vein above the right side of the heart. It is secured to your skin with an adhesive device, an internal securing device or stitches. What Is a PICC?Ī PICC line is a long, very thin, flexible tube (a catheter) that is usually placed into one of the large veins in the arm (with a short portion of tube and an injection cap showing). A PICC can be left in place for several weeks or even months, which may be necessary for people who are on long-term antibiotics. They are much more practical than regular IV catheters, which are often inserted in the crook of the arm or the back of the hand. Ports are used for longer-term delivery of IV medications, usually over months or often years.Īlthough PICCs and ports have many similarities, if you need IV antibiotics to treat an exacerbation, you will likely get a PICC line placed. PICCs are used for short-term delivery of IV medications, usually over weeks. The choice of which one to use is based on how long the catheter will be left in place. What Kind of Access Devices Are There?Īlthough there are many different types and brands of access devices, the two main categories are PICC lines and ports. For people who need them, however, double ports are available. They can be split into channels (called lumens) to deliver multiple drugs, but for routine CF care, a single lumen is usually enough. Ports are made of flexible, strong plastic and come in many sizes. They are made of material that doesn't become infected easily and will remain in place if treated with proper care. Implantable devices, such as ports, are designed to be used for years.

Venous access devices, such as peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are designed to be used for days, weeks, or months. After a few days, regular IVs can become infected, irritate the small veins, or fall out of the vein. Vascular access devices may help people with cystic fibrosis who need intravenous (IV) antibiotic treatments for more than just a few days, such as during an exacerbation.

Triple lumen catheter vs picc line