We place 70% in left arm because of patient preference with no greater venous thrombosis rate (obvious VT) compared with the right arm. We place ALL PICCs using US and MST in upper arm.
Make sure that PICC tip is deep at the caval-atrial junction or lower distal SVC. That way the PICC tip is parallel to the SVC walls.
Nadine Nakazawa, RN, BS, OCN
PICC Program Coordinator
Stanford University Hospital and Clinics
Stanford University Medical Center
From: "Zenger Rhonda" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Left arm thrombosis
Date: Fri, 11 Aug 2006 15:24:21 -0500
Does anyone know of any research studies to support not using the left arm for PICC placement unless absolutely necessary due to an increase incidence of thrombosis?
We are trying to develop practice guidelines for PICC placements.
Thanks so much for your input.
Rhonda Zenger, MSN, RN
Advanced IV Services
Mercy Regional Health Center
Manhattan, Kansas
