[Ultrasound- and fluoroscopy-guided implantation of peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs)].

PURPOSE

Evaluation of ultrasound- and fluoroscopy-guided implantation of peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 32 patients (12 males, 20 females; mean age 64.1 +/- 11.9 years) with clinical indication for long term central venous catheter (chemotherapy: N = 5; parenteral nutrition and fluid substitution: N = 26; parenteral pain therapy: N = 1) a PICC was placed by an interventional radiologist using ultrasound guidance.

RESULTS

The placement of the PICC was technically successful in 31 (96.9%) patients, with placement of 20 single-lumen 5F PICCs, 4 double-lumen 6F PICCs and 7 double-lumen 7F PICCs. The mean duration of catheter usage was 28.4 (2 - 161) days with a total of 910 catheter days. No catheter occlusions were recorded. Two patients developed a superficial venous thrombosis of the upper extremity. The resulting thrombotic rate was 2.2 per 1000 catheter days. No catheter associated infection was recorded.

CONCLUSION

The ultrasound guided placement of peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) via a superficial vein of the upper extremity is a practical alternative to central catheters via central veins.