Is it ever acceptable to insert a PICC in the adult patient without placing the stylet wire inside the catheter? I thought I had learned that this could contribute to malpositioning, looping and coiling of the catheter.
Is it ever acceptable to insert a PICC in the adult patient without placing the stylet wire inside the catheter? I thought I had learned that this could contribute to malpositioning, looping and coiling of the catheter.
I don't think there is any published evidence to support that malposition happens more frequently without a stylet wire, however it easily could be passed to a different location. Additionally, trying to insert without a stylet wire is like pushing a string on some catheters. It would depend upon the material (polyurethane would be much more stiff at room temperature and silicone would be almost impossible to advance without the stylet wire), the size of the catheter (smaller would be more flexible and more difficult. I am curious to know why this idea has been raised in your practice. Have you seen a problem with the wire usage? Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861