I've worked in PICU for more than 12 years and we run incompatible solutions into our lines all the time, as long as they're in different lumens. That essentially means that the line isn't a single line, it's three lines. The idea was to show how the lines are designed with the lumens completely separate from each other. Those pictures are cross-sections of two different types of multi lumen CVCs. It would seem somewhat counterproductive if the contents of the two lumens mixed inside the catheter in those circumstances now wouldn't it? Catheters used for hemodialysis and continuous renal replacement therapy have two large lumens that allow the aspiration of blood from one lumen and the infusion of blood into the other. They infuse into large vessels with rapid, high-volume blood flow that does not allow physical mixing of incompatible meds. Multi lumen central venous lines have completely separate lumens that exit the line at different spots along the side of the line with the largest lumen usually opening at the proximal tip. Something about a "huge catheter" in their neck is intimidating to some patients. You only have two possible femoral sites the it can go to the subclavian which usually freaks out patients. All the lumens go to the same central line so they would be mixing and if they are not compatible you just destroyed a perfectly good central line and your patient may be forced to endure another central line placement at a different site. Please take a look at our videos for more information on PICC lines and their care.If two medications are not "Y compatible" then you cannot run them at the same time into two different ports in the same central line access site. The lines need to be flushed at regular intervals, and the dressing needs to be changed weekly by our team. Our team of skilled nurses teach and train patients the basics of sterile technique and how to properly care for the line. Infection is always a risk with intravenous access, but reported rates of PICC line infections are low if proper maintenance protocols are followed. PICC lines are thus a very versatile choice for patients requiring long-term venous access for conditions such as nutritional deficiencies or IV antibiotics. Additionally, some medications are caustic to the vasculature PICC lines allow these medications to be delivered to larger vessels that are less likely to be damaged. They can stay in the body for weeks or months, alleviating the need to subject your veins to the numerous needle sticks necessary if the PICC was not there. Sometimes these caps are blue as well.Ī PICC line is a safe, stable, and effective way to deliver IV medications. The one pictured has two lumens, which have orange “caps” to help keep the line sterile. Additionally, blood draws for lab purposes can also be extracted from the line. PICC lines can have 1-3 lumens, which allow medications to be attached and flow through the line. PICC lines are inserted by certified PICC specialists, who use ultrasound and X-ray images to ensure that the line is in the correct spot. “Catheter” is just another name for “tube” in the medical lexicon. I t is usually inserted in a smaller vein in the upper arm (peripheral), and terminates in a larger vein in the chest near the heart (central). PICC is an acronym for a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter, and it is, in essence, a long IV line. This is one of the most common questions that patients have when they are told that they need home infusions.
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