Nadine,
Our findings are the same. Some of these patients do not want a port, but
want to continue with a PICC on the day of admission with an exacerbation.
We too have patients with 12 + PICCs. However, we do have a few that have
stenosis or some other reason to refer them to radiology for SVC placement.
They are opinionated and won't even let someone do a lab draw, before the
PICC insertion. We respect the knowledge and their wishes. It is rare that
we don't get there in a timely manner. However, that is now and as our
volume increases we may see changes in the timeliness and cause other
venipunctures. The other venipunctures may lead them to another VAD, such a
port. We will continue to monitor this population.
Gwen Irwin
Austin, Texas
----- Original Message -----
From: "Nadine Nakazawa" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 6:22 PM
Subject: RE: CF patients
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
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