PICC in SVC with curl

[Godelieve Goossens]

First of all, thanks to all people I get the opportunity to meet last week at the AVA conference.  It is always nice to know at least a few people to whom you are talking (writing to)… Here I am with a question about a PICC with the catheter tip initially at the right position at the transition of the RA-SVC.  The 80-years old patient need a line for supportive therapy (packed cells and blood platelets).  For one or another reason it moves away and it is still positioned in the SVC but with a curl.  I flushed already vigorously with no success. -What is the riskfor DVT when letting the PICC in place with no action?  Is this described in literature? -If necessay to get the tip in the right position again (for supportive therapy which need no central line), what is the best practise?   -Is inserting a new PICC the best decision? Thanks in advance for your reply,   Lieve     _________________________ G.A. Goossens Surgical Oncology Departement Clinical Nurse Specialist IV Care University Hospitals Leuven Herestraat 49 B-3000 Leuven, Belgium Tel:   +32 16 332211 ask for the beep: 18/44650         +32 16 346831 Fax:    +32 16 346834 [EMAIL PROTECTED]