Document Type

Project

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

Objective: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) lines are becoming more widely used in hospitalization for usage of chemotherapy, blood transfusion, and accessibility through the upper extremity venous system. This literature review aims to look at how vascular ultrasound can find risk factors with the incidence of PICC line related thromboembolism.

Materials & Methods: A systematic literature review was aimed through PubMed, ClinicalKey, and CINAHL for the association between upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) development after the usage of a peripherally inserted catheter (PICC) in controlled examinations. The reviewed studies ranged from the year 2010 to 2023, publications searched included terms of “deep venous thrombosis” and “peripherally inserted central catheterization.”

Results: Correlations between usage of a PICC line and developing upper extremity and lower extremity deep venous thrombosis were confirmed. Risk factors to developing PICC line related DVT have been identified to duration of placement, catheter diameter, site of access

Conclusion: Ultrasound Doppler can be used to improve patient outcome by sonographically evaluating early risk factors for deep venous thrombosis, such as venous wall diameter and location of the deep venous system before PICC insertion. By using prior ultrasound exam findings, criteria, and patient history, anticipation of the patient developing thrombosis due to PICC insertion can be expected and possibly avoided.

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