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PICC Lines or Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters are being offered close to home at Cuero Regional Hospital. Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter or PICC line catheters can be safely placed at the bedside and are indicated for limited peripheral venous access, IV therapy lasting more than a week, and frequent lab draws. Cuero Regional Hospital has two certified PICC specialists on staff, which use ultrasound to visual the vein and Sherlock EKG system to verify catheter tip location prior to infusions.

A PICC line can avoid the pain and injury involved in repeated punctures of blood draws and short time peripheral catheters. The goal is to spare patient’s veins from these frequent “needle sticks.” It is a safe and effective way to deliver IV medications, especially serving as a versatile choice for patients requiring long-term venous access for conditions such as long term IV antibiotics therapy.

“A PICC line can spare your veins from the irritating effects of IV medications,” said Jennifer Janssen, RN, BSN, ICU/PACU/Day Surgery Director. “It can be used in the hospital setting, a nursing facility, or at home and can stay in place for weeks and even months if needed. A PICC line can be used for many types of IV treatments and is versatile in that they can be used in both in-patient and out-patient settings.”

“Our specialized PICC line nurses teach our patients on the basics of sterile technique and how to properly care for the line. We also offer midline catheters that can help spare patients’ veins from the irritating effects of IV medications. They can be put in and last up to 28 days. Midline go into a bigger vein in the upper arm and help patients with limited venous access and patients with increased length of stay,” said Janssen.

Cuero Regional Hospital is located at 2550 N. Esplanade in Cuero, Texas and offers an ED- Level IV Trauma Center, on-staff General Surgeon, and TeleStroke program. For more information, please visit www.cuerohospital.org or call (361) 275-6191.