Le PICC : le chaînon manquant pour l'accès vasculaire

Peripherally-inserted central catheters (PICC) have been recently used in France. Among vascular accesses, PICC can be used by replacing peripheral venous catheter for dwell time higher than 7-10 days, and by replacing short-term central venous catheter (CVC) outside the ICU setting. The magnitude of infectious risk is similar for PICC and CVC, and requires the same preventive measures at catheter insertion and for line management. Mechanical complications, such as catheter occlusion and venous thrombosis, are more frequent with PICC, with specific rules of surveillance and preventive measures. Establishing a PICC program in a healthcare facility requires a collaborative approach for selecting the material, personal education and PICC management.