What is a Midline or PICC Line?
A PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) line is a flexible hollow tube placed in a vein in your arm, most often above the elbow. The PICC line is about 18 to 24 inches long and goes into the large vein near your heart. It can be left in for a longer period of time than a midline catheter. There will be one, two, or three lumens (IV access lines) at the end of the catheter where your medicine will be given and labs can be drawn. A midline catheter is about eight inches long and goes to the level of your shoulder. It is used as a short-term intravenous (IV) that can be kept in your arm up to 4 weeks. Your catheter is secured in place by a special device called a StatLock® PICC Plus. This device locks the catheter in place to prevent the catheter from coming out. Around the catheter insertion site (where it enters your skin), there is an antimicrobial disc called BioPatch® that helps to prevent your line from getting infected. How Do I Care For and Change the Dressing? Nurses will
