PICC Line

The PICC line (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) is a thin, flexible, tube that is placed into one of the veins of the arm and pushed through to a large vein that is located close to the heart. It is a form of central venous access that is applied in case of long-term intravenous (IV) therapy.

What is a PICC Line?

• PICC is the abbreviation used in Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter.
• It occurs in a peripheral vein, usually in an upper arm, but followed by a central one (superior vena cava).
• Prolonged IV access (weeks to months) in patients.

Uses of PICC Line

Long-term administration of:

• IV antibiotics
• Chemotherapy
• Total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
• Other drugs which may cause irritation to smaller veins.
• Frequent blood draws

Insertion Procedure

• They are numbed using local anaesthesia.
• The access point is a vein in the upper arm (basilic, brachial or cephalic vein).
• The catheter is led towards the heart using ultrasound.
• Confirmation of position is made by X-ray/ECG.

Benefits

• Proper long-term IV use.
• Is able to remain several weeks (or months) (or even a year).
• Eliminates the necessity of several needle sticks.
• Less risk of infection than other central lines.

PICC Line for Chemotherapy

One of the most widespread methods by which doctors provide safe and effective long-term treatment to cancer patients is through a PICC line of chemotherapy. A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC line) prevents multiple needle sticks and also safeguards peripheral veins because chemotherapy drugs are harsh and they damage smaller veins.

The reason why a PICC Line should be used during chemotherapy?

• Rigorous chemotherapy drugs are delivered safely into a large central vein (superior vena cava), where the drug is rapidly diluted.
• Long-term use: PICC lines may stay in the body as long as weeks to months, perfect in chemotherapy cycles.
• Less pain and stress: No longer requires repeated IV insertions.
• Various applications: It may also be applied in blood draws, IV fluids and antibiotics in case of necessity.

Insertion of PICC Line

• Carried out as local anaesthesia in a hospital or day-care.
• Placed into a great vein in the upper arm (basilic or brachial vein).
• The catheter ended up into the superior vena cava in the proximity of the heart.
• Checked with X-ray or ECG and then used.

Benefits in Chemotherapy

• Gives constant, stable IV access.
• Reduced vein irritation (phlebitis) risk, relative to the conventional IV lines.
• Is able to stay put during several courses of chemotherapy.
• Permits the use of vesicant drugs (harsh drugs that might result in tissue damage in case of leakage).
• Can do blood transfusion and nutrition support on a case-to-case basis.

Factors Affecting PICC Line Cost in India

There are a number of variables that influence the amount of PICC line procedure to cost. They include:

Hospital type and location

• Private/government, metro city/smaller town. The big hospitals tend to be more expensive due to the overheads.

Catheter brand and features

• Certain catheters possess extra components - e.g. antimicrobial coats, power-PICC (power injections), multi-lumen (2 or more lumens), or special materials. These cost more. 

Procedure complexity

• In cases where the veins are difficult to reach, the patient has comorbidities, or imaging (ultrasound, fluoroscopy) is required the cost increases. 

Professional fees

• Surgeon / radiologist / interventionalist fee; nursing personnel; anaesthetist when sedation or GA was required. 

Consumables & supplies

• Guidewires, catheter itself, sterile kits, dressings (sterile), antiseptics, flush solutions, etc. Larger/advanced kits are more expensive. 

Imaging and confirmation

• X-ray or C-arm confirmation of tip location with the help of ultrasound. These add to cost. 

Room charges / hospital stay

• When patient has to stay overnight or in special rooms (private, ICU etc) it is more expensive. 

Geographic region

• Rates in metro cities tend to be more expensive, rural/smaller city hospitals could be cheaper. Also varying cost of living etc. 

Maintenance/ follow-up

• Flushing, change dressing, complications, removal afterwards. These add ongoing cost. 

Complications

• Extra treatment and extra procedures are costly if infection, thrombosis occurs or the patient requires repositioning or removal.

Best Hospitals for PICC Line in India

• Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
• Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon
• Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
• Max Hospital, Saket

Conclusion

PICC line is an effective and less invasive alternative to patients with the need of long intravenous access particularly in chemotherapy. Costs of inserting the PICC line in India differ greatly depending on the type of hospital, its location, catheter brand used, image needs, professional charges, and the aftercare. Metro city hospitals that privately own may charge much more particularly when complicated catheters, imaging or extended hospital stays are required. The current care and maintenance (dressings, Flushing, complications management, etc.) should also be considered as the total cost.

PICC Line in India with GetWellGo

GetWellGo is regarded as a leading supplier of healthcare services. We help our foreign clients choose the best treatment locations that suit their needs both financially and medically.

We offer:

• Complete transparency
• Fair costs.
• 24 hour availability.
• Medical E-visas
• Online consultation from recognized Indian experts.
• Assistance in selecting India's top hospitals for PICC Line treatment.
• Expert doctor with a strong track record of success
• Assistance during and after the course of treatment.
• Language Support
• Travel and Accommodation Services
• Case manager assigned to every patient to provide seamless support in and out of the hospital like appointment booking
• Local SIM Cards
• Currency Exchange
• Arranging Patient’s local food

FAQ

1. What is the maximum length of stay of PICC line?

• A PICC may be left over the course of weeks or even several months, depending on the needs of care and treatment. Others can be maintained to last up to a year.

2. Is the procedure painful?

• Insertion is performed most commonly under local anaesthesia. Patients can experience a light pressure but do not usually experience serious pain.

3. What is the home care of a PICC line?

• Maintain a clean, dry site, periodically replace dressings (normally once a week), rinse the catheter and do not overexert the arm. Immediately report reddening, swelling or fever.

4. Does a PICC line have an advantage over chemo port?

• PICC line is best suited to short-term (weeks to months) treatment. A chemo port (implanted port-a-cath) is sometimes the better choice when the treatment may last 1 year or longer as it is covered by the skin and more readily maintained.

5. How is the PICC line removed?

• Removal can be performed by any trained doctor or nurse as an outpatient process. It normally takes a couple of minutes and does not need anaesthesia.