Does anyone know if a patient with this condition can receive a PICC on that side? From what I have read, this is all arterial but it seems to me that if the circulation is this messed up, it would have to affect the venous side of things as well? Anyone know? Lynn?
With or without ischemic signs and symptoms of the upper extremity? PICC insertion before or after surgical or interventional treatment? I think it would depend upon the situation for each patient. If the patient requires infusions, then some type of VAD must be inserted. Would a PICC pose a smaller risk than a subclavian vein insertion site? I don't recall any specific studies or case reports of patients with this condition. Collaborative decision making seems to be in order. Decreased arterial blood flow to the extremity would cause slower rate and less volume of blood on the venous side. From what I am reading, the extremity may not always be involved. Here is the link to the Medscape discussion of this problem -- Subclavian Steal Syndrome Medication
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