Cancer treatment often involves multiple complex therapies, and ensuring these treatments are administered efficiently and safely is crucial for patient outcomes. Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC lines) are essential tools that offer numerous benefits for cancer patients, significantly enhancing their treatment experience and quality of life.
What is a PICC Line?
A PICC line is a long catheter inserted into a vein in the upper arm, extending to a large vein near the heart. This type of catheter can remain in place for weeks or even months, providing reliable and long-term intravenous access.
Key benefits of PICC Lines during cancer treatment
Direct delivery of medications:
PICC lines allow for the direct infusion of chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, and other medications into the bloodstream.
Reducing the number of needle sticks:
PICC lines allow medication to be given directly into the bloodstream without having to repeatedly insert a needle into a vein.
Long-Term intravenous access:
Unlike traditional IVs that need frequent replacement, PICC lines can stay in place for extended periods, minimizing the need for repeated IV placements and providing consistent access for treatment.
Administering large volumes of fluids or nutrition:
For patients unable to eat or drink adequately, PICC lines facilitate the delivery of essential fluids and nutrition directly into the bloodstream, ensuring they receive the necessary support.
Easy blood sampling:
Blood samples for testing and monitoring the patient’s condition can be easily drawn from the PICC line, reducing the discomfort and inconvenience of multiple needle sticks.
Home treatment:
PICC lines allow patients to be discharged from the hospital with the line in place, enabling them to continue their treatment at home. This flexibility can greatly improve a patient’s quality of life by reducing hospital stays and allowing more time in a comfortable home environment.
PICC lines are invaluable in cancer treatment, offering numerous benefits that improve patient comfort and treatment efficacy. By providing long-term intravenous access, enabling multiple simultaneous treatments, and allowing home-based care, PICC lines play a critical role in the comprehensive management of cancer patients. With proper care and maintenance, they significantly enhance the overall treatment experience and outcomes for patients undergoing cancer therapy.
Explore our range of PICC Lines, customized to meet your unique requirements with a variety of configurations. Designed to satisfy the needs of both medical professionals and patients, our vascular access devices stand out as the best option. Please contact us today for more information and a custom quotation.
References
Sapkota, S. et al., (2020, October 9). Analysis of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Line in Cancer Patients: A Single-Center Experience. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8205555/#:~:text=One%20advantage%20of%20PICCs%20is%20that%2C%20it,other%20chemical%20properties%20of%20the%20solution%20or
(2024, May 16). PICC Lines (peripherally inserted central catheter). Cancer Research UK. PICC Lines (Peripherally inserted central catheter) | Cancer Research UK
Demarco, C. (2018, June 20) Should you get a central line for chemotherapy?. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Central line for chemotherapy: Who should consider getting one? | MD Anderson Cancer Center
Kessler, J. (2023, June 6) PICC Lines used during cancer treatment. City of Hope. PICC Line for Cancer Treatment (cancercenter.com)