For which patients are peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) most commonly used?

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are primarily designed for patients requiring long-term medication administration. This is because PICCs provide a stable access point for intravenous therapy that can remain in place for weeks to months, making them ideal for patients who need extended courses of treatment, such as those with cancer requiring chemotherapy, individuals needing long-term antibiotic therapy, or patients receiving nutrition via total parenteral nutrition (TPN).

The design and placement of a PICC allow it to deliver medications directly into the central venous circulation, which is beneficial for infusions that may be irritating to peripheral veins or for those needing higher volumes of fluid over a long period. While short-term IV access, surgery, and minor injuries may be managed effectively with other types of vascular access, such as standard peripheral IVs, they do not typically require the long-term and stable access provided by a PICC. Hence, the use of PICCs is most appropriate for patients with ongoing medical needs that extend beyond what would be considered short-term therapy.