Percutaneous Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)

How will sedation affect my child?

The sedation your child received for the procedure is still in their system. It is a good idea for your child to rest for the rest of the day.

What kind of activity can my child do?

• Your child may do light activity/play today.
• Your child may also return to school the following day. They should not exercise or lift anything heavy with the arm with the PICC.
• Do not bathe or get the area around the dressing wet for the first 2 days. After 2 days, cover/wrap the PICC with plastic wrap when bathing.
• Keep the arm with the PICC clean and dry.

Which medicines can I give my child for pain?

You can give your child over-the-counter (non-prescription) medicines, such as Tylenol® (acetaminophen) or Advil® (ibuprofen) if they feel some minor pain unless your doctor recommends otherwise. Check with your doctor if you are not sure whether you can give your child these medicines.

How do I take care of the PICC?

A nurse will provide information on how to care for the PICC before you go home.

When do I call my doctor?

Call your doctor if your child has any of the following:

• The catheter gets pulled and appears dislodged (moved out of its original place)
• There is bleeding, oozing, swelling or redness at the insertion site (where the PICC enters the skin)
• Numbness, pain or tingling in the arm
• Fever, chills, or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or palpitations (heart pounding through the chest)

Call your home infusion nurse if your child has any of the following:

• A break or tear in the catheter or tubing
• The infusion pump continues to alarm, even after flushing the catheter
• Any leakage of fluid or IV fluid from around the catheter insertion site

Questions?

For questions about the PICC, call 617-726-8488 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. During evening or weekend hours, call the Vascular Intervention Radiology fellow on call at 617-726-8314. If you believe your child’s symptoms need immediate medical attention, go to your nearest Emergency Department.

Rev. 5/2022. MassGeneral for Children and Massachusetts General Hospital do not endorse any of the brands listed on this handout. This handout is intended to provide health information so that you can be better informed. It is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to treat any medical conditions.