Patient education: Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) removal (The Basics)

What is a peripherally inserted catheter? — A peripherally inserted central catheter, or "PICC," is a special kind of IV (figure 1). It is also called a "PICC line."

A PICC is a long, thin, flexible tube, or "catheter." To insert it, a doctor or nurse places the PICC in a vein located deep in the upper arm. Then, they move it forward until the tip is in a larger vein near the heart.

Why does the PICC need to be removed? — You might have a PICC removed because:

●It is no longer needed.

●It is blocked or broken.

●It is infected.

●You need a different type of IV.

How do I prepare for PICC removal? — Having a PICC removed is a simple procedure. You will usually not need to do anything to prepare.

Ask the doctor or nurse if you have questions or if there is anything you do not understand.

What happens during PICC removal? — A PICC can be removed in your hospital room, in a treatment area, or at home. A specially trained doctor or nurse will take out the PICC.

For the removal:

●You will rest your arm on a table or pillow.

●The doctor or nurse will take off the dressing. They will remove any stitches or other devices holding the PICC in place.

●They might ask you to hold your breath, hum, or breathe out as they remove the PICC. They will pull the PICC out slowly, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) at a time. The doctor or nurse will then hold the PICC close to where it enters your body, and pull it out about another inch (2.5 cm). This process continues until the PICC is completely out.

●They will place a special bandage over the place where the PICC was.

●They will hold firm pressure on the area for a few minutes. This is to make sure that there is no bleeding.

●Sometimes, the doctor or nurse will send the tip of the PICC for tests to check for infection.

●They will check the length of the PICC to make sure all of it was removed.

●The procedure takes 10 to 15 minutes.

What happens after PICC removal? — The doctor or nurse will check the area for redness, drainage, or swelling.

Keep the area dry and covered with a bandage for the first 1 to 2 days. The doctor or nurse will tell you when you can remove the bandage.

What problems can happen with PICC removal? — Sometimes, there is "resistance" when the PICC is being taken out. This means it does not come out easily. The doctor or nurse might place a warm pack on your arm to help with this. If the PICC continues to have resistance, it will be taped in place and your doctor will be notified. You might need to go to the hospital or a radiology department to have X-rays or an ultrasound of the PICC.

Other problems that can happen after having a PICC removed include:

●Redness, swelling, pain, or drainage from the area where the PICC entered your body – These can be signs of infection.

●Swelling and pain in the arm where the PICC was put in – These can be signs of a blood clot in your arm.

●The PICC breaking while it is being removed

When should I call the doctor?

●The swelling in your arm where the PICC was becomes bigger.

●You develop a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

●The area where the PICC was removed starts bleeding and does not stop with gentle pressure.

●The area where the PICC was removed becomes redder or swollen.

●You notice more drainage or pus around where the PICC was removed.

●You have trouble breathing.

More on this topic

Patient education: Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) insertion (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) (The Basics)
Patient education: Central line infections (The Basics)