The Use of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in Cancer Patients

From 2002 to 2006, 524 cancer patients who underwent PICC insertion by nursing staff were studied. 568 PICCs were in place for a total of 32068 days (mean duration: 56 days; range: 1 to 487 days). The complication rates were phlebitis – 24.07%, broken/leaking catheter – 12.33%, accidental removal – 7.44%, occlusion – 14.68%, and infection – 1.77%. Group A patients who underwent PICC insertion for the major purpose of receiving repeated chemotherapy had higher incidences of phlebitis, broken/leakage catheter and infection. Group B patients who underwent PICC insertion for the major purpose of hospice care had a higher incidence of accidental removal.