I am reaching out to learn if anyone has had any experience or recommendations with the use of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) on the same extremity as the PICC is located. I was approached by our PT today who is recommending this therapy on a pt with partially paralyzed hand. PT would place the device on the lower part of the arm, PICC is in the upper portion. I am interested to hear if this is ok to proceed to use or contraindicated. Another product name is BioNess electrical stimulation.
We are pediatrics, this patient is 17 years old. I don't know if either peds or adult care uses this product on the same extremity as a PICC.
Thank you in advance
Linda Tirabassi RN CNS/CPNP
Long Beach CA
Forum topic
Fri, 10/07/2016 - 01:58
#1
PICCs and Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
I have never seen any studies addressing this particular issue. FES is a small electrical stimulation to the paralyzed muscles. My first thought was why was a PICC placed in an arm with paralysis, but it sounds like this is limited to the hand and he can still move the whole extremity - shoulder, elbow? I doubt you will find anything in the published literature. You should call the clinical dept at the PICC manufacturer to get their input, but I can't think of a reason why they can't or shouldn't use this therapy in the hand on the ipsilateral side of the PICC. 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
Thank You Lynn, I figured if any group had experience with this it would be here. I will follow up with your recommendation. I agree, I could not think of a reason why this would be contraindicated, but nonetheless, always good to good the extra mile and be sure.
Thanks again.
Linda
Linda Tirabassi PhD RN CNS CPNP