Placement and management of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC): Which complications? A retrospective 2-year single-centre experience

Introduction: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are catheters placed in the central venous system, through a peripheral vein. PICCs’ are devices designed for intermediate to long-term use, which are usually implanted for long periods and may be subjected to mechanical and infectious complications as well as thrombosis and acute bleeding during insertion or maintenance procedures. The aim of this study is to investigate and describe the various types of complications resulting from placement and management of PICC catheters in patients admitted to the SS Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo Hospital wards. 
Methods: Data was collected from the medical records of patients undergoing PICC implantation from June 2018 to December 2019.
Results: Data from 320 patients were included in the study. 55% of patients did not develop complications. 34% of all patients with complications had minor complications and 86% of devices were not removed before the end of treatment.
Conclusions: PICCs’ appear to be safe devices for use, with acceptably low rates of infectious or thrombotic complications. The most common complications have been minor causes, potentially avoidable with adequate prevention measures.