A permcath, also known as a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line, is a long, thin tube that is inserted through a vein in the arm and advanced through the larger veins near the heart. It is used to deliver medications, fluids, and nutrients directly into the bloodstream over an extended period of time.
The insertion of a permcath typically involves the following steps:
After the permcath insertion, the patient may need to stay in the hospital for observation and monitoring. The catheter can usually remain in place for weeks to months, and it can be removed when it is no longer needed. However, there are some risks associated with the use of a permcath, such as infection, bleeding, and blood clots, so it is important to closely monitor the catheter site and follow proper care and maintenance guidelines.