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What is a PowerPICC SOLO* Catheter ?
PICC is a short name for “Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter”,
reflecting the fact that the catheter is inserted into a large vein in your
arm (usually the basilic or cephalic vein). Unlike most catheters, the
PowerPICC SOLO* catheter has a valve that allows liquids to flow in or
out but it remains closed when it is not in use. The PowerPICC SOLO* catheter may also
be used for contrast power injections at up to 5 ml/sec.
New Important Information:
Recommended Flushing/Maintenance Procedure(s)
The catheter should be maintained in accordance with standard hospital protocols.
Recommended catheter flushing/maintenance is as follows:
1. Flush the catheter after every use, or at least weekly when not in use. Use a 10 ml or
larger syringe.
2. Flush the catheter with a minimum of 10 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride, using a
“pulse” or “stop/start” technique. Use of heparinized saline to lock each lumen of the
catheter is optional.
3. Disconnect the syringe and attach a sterile end cap to the catheter hub and tighten
securely.
4. Prior to blood sampling when infusing Total parenteral nutrition (TPN), follow
routine maintenance procedure except use 20 ml saline and flush to clear TPN from
the catheter.
5. If resistance is met when flushing, no further attempts should be made. Further
flushing could result in catheter rupture with possible embolization. Refer to
institution protocol for clearing occluded catheters.
NOTE: When injecting or infusing medications that are incompatible, you
should always flush the catheter with a minimum of 10 ml saline before and
after each medication.
NOTE: When maintained in accordance with these instructions, the
PowerPICC SOLO* catheter does not require the use of heparinized saline to
lock the catheter lumens. However, use of heparinized saline will not adversely
effect the catheter and may be necessary based on patient status or use of
alternate flushing and locking techniques.
Caution: Always remove needles or needleless caps slowly while injecting the last
0.5 ml of saline.
Caution: Use aseptic techniques whenever the catheter lumen is opened or
connected to other devices.
Caution: The PowerPICC SOLO* catheter is designed for use with a needleless injection
caps or “direct-to-hub” connection technique. Apply a sterile end cap on the catheter
hub to prevent contamination when not in use. Use of a needle longer than 1.6 cm
(0.625 in.) may cause damage to the valve.
Warning: Alcohol should not be used to lock, soak or declot polyurethane
PICCs because alcohol is known to degrade polyurethane catheters over time
with repeated and prolonged exposure.
Power Injection Procedure
1. Remove the injection/needleless cap from the PowerPICC SOLO* catheter.
2. Attach a 10 ml or larger syringe filled with sterile normal saline.
3. Aspirate for adequate blood return and vigorously flush the catheter with the full
10 ml of sterile normal saline.
Warning: Failure to ensure patency of the catheter prior to power injection studies
may result in catheter failure.
4. Detach syringe.
5. Attach the power injection device to the PowerPICC SOLO* catheter per
manufacturer’s recommendations.
6. Contrast media should be warmed to body temperature prior to power injection.
Warning: Failure to warm contrast media to body temperature prior to power
injection may result in catheter failure.
7. Use only lumens marked “Power Injectable” for power injection of contrast media.
Warning: Use of lumens not marked “Power Injectable” for power injection of
contrast media may cause failure of the catheter.
8. Complete power injection study taking care not to exceed the flow rate limits. Do
not exceed the maximum flow rate of 5 ml/sec.
Warning: Exceeding the maximum flow rate of 5 ml/sec, or the maximum pressure
of power injectors of 300 psi, may result in catheter failure and/or catheter tip
displacement.
Warning: Power injector machine pressure limiting feature may not prevent over-
pressurization of an occluded catheter, which may cause catheter failure.
9. Disconnect the power injection device.
10. Replace the injection/needleless cap on the PowerPICC SOLO* catheter.
11. Flush the PowerPICC SOLO* catheter with 10 ml of sterile normal saline, using a
10 mL or larger syringe. Use of heparinized saline to lock each lumen of the catheter
is optional.
How does the valve work?
The PowerPICC SOLO* catheter valve controls the flow of fluids to
provide clamp-free infusion therapy. Positive pressure into the catheter
(gravity, pump, syringe) will open the valve, allowing fluid infusion. When
negative pressure (aspiration) is applied, the valve opens allowing for the
withdrawal of blood into a syringe.
• Routine clamping of the catheter outside the body is not needed.
• Heparin is not needed to keep the catheter open.
What is the PICC used for?
There are several uses for the PowerPICC SOLO* catheter. It is primarily
used to allow you to have special treatments over a period of time. Having
the PICC will make it more comfortable for you because you will not have
to have a needle inserted into a vein over and over again.
The PICC can be used to give you special fluids, medications, blood products, to take
blood samples for testing, or contrast power injections. Your doctor or nurse will explain
the reasons why you have this type of catheter.
Where does the PICC go inside the body?
The PICC is inserted by the nurse or doctor into a vein in your arm and
threaded into a large vein that leads to your heart.
The catheter insertion site will need to have special care, which will be
explained later in this booklet.
Cephalic Vein
Accessory
CephalicVein
Cephalic Vein
Basilic Vein
Axillary Vein
Median
Cubital Vein
Basilic Vein
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Indicates superficial
vein passing deep
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Garb
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What is required to take care of the
PICC?
There are several things that you may need to do to care for your PICC.
•
Clean the insertion site and apply a clean dressing;
•
Flush the catheter;
•
Change the injection cap; and,
•
Be able to detect problems and know what to do when they occur.
Comments and/or changes as recommended by your nurse or physician.
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