Peripherally inserted central catheters are being used more frequently in hospitalized patients. The benefits of using a PICC can be offset by complications including upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT). A recent study published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine examined 7,444 PICC-days for 777 patients at the Methodist University Hospital (MUH) in Memphis, TN. Of the 777 patients studied, 38 experienced one or more venous thromboembolisms (VTEs). Patients with a PICC inserted in a location other than the SVC had an increased risk of VTE. PICC-related VTE was also more common in patients with a past history of VTE.
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