I agree with Ann. We see a lot of CF patients. Over 5-7 years ago, ports were preferred over PICCs, but with ultrasound now available, many of our CF patients prefer a PICC. We have had some patients who have had as many as 12+ PICCs. I encourage them to consider a port, but they often seem to prefer NOT having something in their chest the months that they are not needing IV therapy. They are a very savvy group and very well informed, and VERY opinionated. I have to respect that. I still go over the pros and cons each time I see them, but I don't go overboard and I'm never pushy about it. Some of them are in pretty good shape, and exercise quite a lot so their arm veins remain large and patent.
Nadine Nakazawa
From: "Ann Williams" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Tom and Louise Oak" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: CF patients Date: Wed, 9 Aug 2006 14:04:38 -0500 In our service area, we have seen both PICCs and ports utilized for CF patients. It seems they choose PICCs until they start having more frequent infections. I think it also depends on the patients lifestyle and what they are willing to tolerate. Ann Ann Williams RN CRNI Infusion Specialist Deaconess Home Services 600 Mary St. Evansville, IN 47747 812-450-3828 812-450-4665 FAX ________________________________ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Tom and Louise Oak Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 11:46 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: CF patients What is everyone's practice with CF patients? We have a 20 year old that we placed a pICC line in for antibiotic therapy. This is the 2nd one we have placed for a recurrent infection. His mother who is an RN was wondering about a port. She is asking if there is evidence that demonstrates whether a port would be more beneficial than a PICC line. She knows that if the PICC line should get infected it can be easily removed whereas a port would require a surgeon to remove it. However, the port does have it's benefits in terms of his lifestyle etc. Thanks in advance Louise Oak RN, CINA (c) Vascular Access Nurse Sault Area Hospital X4399 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the originator of the message. Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, except where the sender specifies and with authority, states them to be the views of Deaconess Health System.
