What is a PICC line?
A PICC line (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) is a central venous catheter inserted through a vein in the arm. Its tip sits in a large central vein, close to the heart. It allows prolonged intravenous treatments to be given safely.
Why have a PICC line fitted?
- Administration of intravenous treatments over a prolonged period (chemotherapy, antibiotic therapy, parenteral nutrition, pain treatments, etc.)
- Preserves your peripheral veins by avoiding repeated punctures
- Comfortable, safe use as a day case
- A less invasive alternative to other central venous catheters, with a lower infection risk
Who is this method for?
- Patients needing prolonged or repeated intravenous treatment
- Patients with difficult peripheral venous access
- Treatments that can be given in hospital or at home
How does it work?
Performed as a day case or during a hospital stay
Under local anaesthesia at the puncture site in the arm
The procedure usually takes 10 to 15 minutes
The catheter is placed through an arm vein under ultrasound guidance
Correct central positioning is checked
The catheter is secured and protected with a sterile adhesive dressing: return home the same day
What is the recovery like?
- Moderate arm discomfort is possible in the first few days
- The catheter can be used immediately or within a few hours
- Rare complications: infection, venous thrombosis, catheter displacement
- Regular care (flushing, dressings) is required, carried out by a healthcare professional
Explainer video
See how a PICC line is placed in our department:
What is a PICC line?
A PICC line (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) is a peripherally inserted central venous catheter. Placed in an arm vein (basilic, cephalic or brachial vein) under ultrasound guidance, its tip reaches the junction of the superior vena cava and the right atrium. It allows prolonged intravenous treatments to be given without needing to puncture a peripheral vein at each session.
For which treatments?
- Chemotherapy (several cycles over several weeks)
- Prolonged antibiotic therapy (6 weeks or more)
- Prolonged parenteral nutrition
- Repeated intravenous treatments in patients with difficult venous access
Advantages over a peripheral venous line
- Avoids repeated punctures and the complications of venospasm/phlebitis
- Irritant drugs (chemotherapy) are diluted in a large vessel: no venous burning
- Blood samples can be taken through the catheter
- Simple weekly care (dressing + flush) that a nurse can do at home
- Can stay in place for up to 6 months
How is it placed?
Placement takes 20 to 30 minutes as a day case under local anaesthesia. The catheter is positioned under ultrasound guidance and its position is checked by fluoroscopy or chest X-ray immediately after placement. Usable immediately.
Care
A weekly saline flush is needed, along with a dressing change. This care is provided by your nurse at home or at a care centre. Any redness, pain or fever must be reported promptly.
📄 Patient information sheet
✅ Cost: covered by French National Health Insurance. No additional fees in our centre.