Left side approach PICC insertion, or non-dominant arm
I started using non-dominant arm for my PICC insertion due to possible post thrombotic problems. Does anyone know of any problems with left arm PICC insertions?
Statistically, a left sided insertion is more prone to malposition because longer length is required. Also there is a higher rate of thrombosis, although I can not recall the actual data. I would make my decision based on the patient's needs. I would focus first on use of the non-dominant arm. If a serious complication occurred, the patient still has use of their dominant arm. Home care patients will be expected to administer their own meds and managing tubing, syringes, needleless connectors, etc is far easier with the dominant hand working on the non-dominant arm. If there is proper tip location, I would prefer to use the non-dominant arm first. Lynn
Statistically, a left sided insertion is more prone to malposition because longer length is required. Also there is a higher rate of thrombosis, although I can not recall the actual data. I would make my decision based on the patient's needs. I would focus first on use of the non-dominant arm. If a serious complication occurred, the patient still has use of their dominant arm. Home care patients will be expected to administer their own meds and managing tubing, syringes, needleless connectors, etc is far easier with the dominant hand working on the non-dominant arm. If there is proper tip location, I would prefer to use the non-dominant arm first. 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