Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Side Effects and Warnings

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a PICC line, your doctor will review a list of possible complications which may include:

• Bloodstream infection —occurs when bacteria enters the bloodstream through or around the central line
• Bleeding
• Heart arrhythmias (abnormal heart beat)—can occur if the catheter tip is out of place and too close to the heart
• Nerve injury (tingling or pain in the arm where catheter is inserted)
• Blood clots
• Air or catheter embolus (air bubble or part of catheter blocks a blood vessel)

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Arm veins that are hard to find (due to obesity or poor blood flow)
• Blood clots
• Broken arm
• Active infection
• Lymph nodes removed from the arm

Discuss these risks with your doctor before your PICC line is inserted.

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of infection—fever, chills, redness or swelling at the insertion site
• Pain around the insertion site
• Drainage or leakage from the PICC line
• Trouble flushing or inserting fluids into the PICC line
• PICC line falls out or becomes loose
• Arm grows larger in circumference

In case of an emergency, CALL 911.