A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC or PICC line), also called a percutaneous indwelling central catheter or longline,[1] is a form of intravenous access that can be used for a prolonged period of time (e.g., for long chemotherapy regimens, extended antibiotic therapy, or total parenteral nutrition) or for administration of substances that should not be done peripherally (e.g., antihypotensive agents a.k.a.

It is a catheter that enters the body through the skin (percutaneously) at a peripheral site, extends to the superior vena cava (a central venous trunk), and stays in place (dwells within the veins) for days, weeks or even months.

They are commonly used in people receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), chemotherapy, or long term medications such as antibiotics.

The majority of infections associated with PICC lines occur after a median duration of use of 10 days, and during an intensive care unit stay.

Urokinase or low-dose tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) may be required to break down obstructions, depending on the type and severity of the occlusion.

The insertable portion of a PICC varies from 25 to 60 cm in length, which is sufficient to reach the desired end position in most cases.

This involves cleaning the skin around the site, as well as the use of a sterile gown, gloves, and drape to reduce the risk of environmental contamination.

Generally, the catheter line can be safely and quickly removed by a trained nurse, even in the patient's own home, in a matter of minutes.

After removal, the insertion site is normally bandaged with sterile gauze and kept dry for a few days, during which the wound can close and begin healing.

The tip of the catheter is sent for microscopy culture and sensitivity (MCS) if the patient is systemically unwell at the time of removal of the PICC.