Objectives: In this study, we present our experience in the insertion technique of peripherally inserted central catheters and catheter-related
thrombosis.
Patients and methods: In this single-center, retrospective study, 19 PICCs inserted in 18 palliative care patients (7 males, 11 females;
median age 59 years; range, 24 to 89 years) at Gülhane Training and Research Hospital between January 2017 and December 2019 were
analyzed. The main indications for PICCs were parenteral supportive treatments. All procedures were performed under strict aseptic
conditions using real-time ultrasound imaging with fluoroscopy guidance.
Results: The median dwell time of PICCs was 38 (range, 6 to 202) days. The PICC was left in situ for less than one month in five
patients. Mortality and bloodstream infections were the most common causes of removing catheters which remained less than two months.
Approximately two-thirds of our patients were on low-molecular-weight heparin, while their catheters were functioning.
Conclusion: Appropriate techniques such as determining the appropriate catheter for the vessel to be catheterized, real-time ultrasound
during cannulation, and fluoroscopy should be used to minimize the complication risks.
Key words: Catheterization, fluoroscopy, peripheral, thrombosis, ultrasonography
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