Lifecath PICC Patient Information - Vygon (UK)

Caring for your CatheterLifecath PICCImportant InformationYour Lifecath PICC InformationCode number:Length:Date of insertion:In case of queries please contact:Name:Title:Telephone Number:Special InstructionsYour healthcare professional may ask you to help with the following procedures:1. Dressing changes every days(unless it becomes wet or falls off).2. Your catheter should be flushed every days and after drugadministration.3. Your own instructions:9

Glossary of TermsContentsCatheterExit SitePhlebitisExtensionPeripheralIV Drug TherapyA special plastic tube inserted into your arm,to deliver drugs and infusions straight intoyour vein.Where the catheter enters your skin.Irritation to the vein and surrounding skin.Tubing connected to the catheter to helpwith infusion of drugs and fluids.Relating to, or situated near the surface ofthe body.Intravenous drugs administered directly intothe vein.About Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) Lines 2Your Catheter 2How is your PICC line Inserted? 3Caring for your Lifecath PICC at Home 4Care of the exit siteSoiled, wet or loose dressingsBathing and showersTroubleshooting 5Handwashing Technique 6Glossary 8Important Information 9Polyurethane CatheterA special plastic tube made of a softmaterial, inserted into your vein to deliverdrugs and infusions.Healthcare ProfessionalThe doctor or nurse looking after yourLifecath PICC catheter.8

About PICC LinesDuring your treatment you may need to have repeated blood samples, and begiven drugs or fluids frequently or for an extended period. These are usuallydone via a vein in your arm, but inserting a needle or cannula each time cancause damage to your veins, which can be very painful for you.A nine step handwashing technique was devised by Ayliffe et al (1978),and it is used regularly by healthcare professionals. Using it yourselfmay improve the care of your catheter. The technique uses soap or anantiseptic solution and running water. Each step consists of five strokesforward and five backward.To give you the best care, your healthcare professional has decided to use aPICC line, which can be left in place and used repeatedly. You will normallybe given a PICC line when you need frequent doses, or if your treatment isexpected to last 1 week or more. The PICC line will usually be connected toan extension set to deliver medication.STEP TWORub palm to palm.STEP THREERight palm overback of left handand left palm overback of right hand.Your CatheterYou have been given a Lifecath PICC catheter. Lifecath PICC ismade from polyurethane, which is a flexible material that softensat body temperature making it a comfortable way of deliveringyour treatment.Your PICC line may be single or double lumen. This means that ithas either one or two holes running the full length of the catheter.A double lumen line will be used if you will need to have morethan one infusion running at the same time and don't want thetwo liquids to mix in the tube, or if your nurse might need to takea blood sample while an infusion is being given.Provided that your Lifecath PICC is correctly inserted and iscared for properly, it can be left in place as long as it is needed,until your treatment is complete.STEP FIVEBacks of fingers toopposing palms withfingers interlocked.STEP EIGHTRinse hands underrunning water.STEP SIXWash each thumb byclasping and rotatingin the palm of theopposite hand.STEP NINEDry hands thoroughly.2

Handwashing TechniqueSTEP ONEWet handsthoroughly beforeapplying washingagent.How is your PICC Line Inserted?Your PICC will be inserted in hospital by a Nurse Specialist or Doctor. Localanaesthetic is used to numb the skin, and the PICC is inserted into a vein atyour elbow, then fed in so that the tip is positioned near the heart. This allowsyour medication to mix more easily into your blood.Once your PICC has been inserted, the nurse will flush the catheter with asolution to prevent clotting. The PICC will then be checked by X-ray to ensurethat it is in the right place.A clear sterile dressing will then be applied to protect the exit site and to helphold the catheter in place.STEP FOURPalm to palmfingers interlaced.STEP SEVENRotational rubbingback and forwardswith clasped fingersof right hand inleft palm and viceversa.63

Caring for your Lifecath PICC at homeTroubleshootingDepending on your clinician/nurse's recommendations, you may need to takecare of your catheter once you return home. The following information willbe useful, but you should always follow any instructions given to you by yourhealthcare professional.Care of the exit siteProblemsAir entering the bloodstreamSymptomsYou experience shortnessof breath, chest pain orcoughing.What to doStop infusion immediately.Position yourself on your leftside with your head down.Inform Hospital andEmergencyServices.Check the exit site for any swelling, redness or pain. The troubleshootingguide opposite will help, but if you are in any doubt you should contact yourhealthcare professional.The catheter breaks or youaccidentally cut the catheterBlood leaking from catheteror extension.Stop infusion, contact yourhealthcare professional.Soiled, wet or loose dressingsYou can change the dressing yourself if you have been shown how, otherwiseyou should return to the hospital for the dressing to be changed.Bathing and showersYou can bathe and shower while you have a Lifecath PICC line, but you musttake care to keep the catheter and dressing completely dry. Cover the entirecatheter and dressing with an additional waterproof dressing, and secureall the edges with tape. Ask your healthcare professional for any furtherrecommendations.Skin infection or sorenessCatheter blocked / infusionstopsYou will notice redness,swelling and tenderness atcatheter exit site.Drug or infusion will not flowthrough catheter.Contact your healthcareprofessional. Always followthe correct GuidelinesProcedure for handlingand cleaning catheter, asinstructed by your healthcareprofessional.Contact your healthcareprofessional. You may havea clot in the catheter. Yourhealthcare professional mayinfuse a drug to dissolve theclot or remove the catheter.PhlebitisSmall area of redness canbe seen around catheterexit site and radiating upthe arm.Contact your healthcareprofessional. Phlebitis can besuccessfully solved with earlytreatment.Leaking of blood or fluidPossible hole in catheter orextension.Stop infusion and contactyour healthcare professionalimmediately.4 5

NotesVygon (UK) LtdWeb: www.vygon.co.ukEmail: vygon@vygon.co.ukCode: PS054 Content correct as of 11/08