Variables decreasing tip movement of peripherally inserted central catheters in pediatric patients

BACKGROUND The position of the tip of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is crucial; malposition can lead to malfunction of the line or life-threatening events (e.g., arrhythmias, perforation). OBJECTIVE To determine what factors other than arm position and accessed vein might influence the tip position of a PICC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Inclusion criteria were upper limb PICC placement, body weight 0.05). CONCLUSION Silicone PICCs and PICCs inserted into the cephalic vein move less than PICCs made of polyurethane and PICCs inserted into the brachial and basilic veins. These findings might assist operators in deciding which PICC to place in children in a given clinical context