NICU question (diff b/w long line? PICC? CVC?)

IVRUS, BSN, RN · Mar 10, 2010

Hi~ I am a physio ^_^
I am quite confuse about the different names and definition of the "Lines" that in NICU.
what are the differences between the following names and their definition?
(1) Central venous catheter
(2) central line
(3) PICC
(4) Long line
(5) Percutaneous central venous catheter (is it = PICC = long line????)

Lines are lines, whether in the NICU, or Adult ICU. The terminology should remain consistant.

1. A Central Venous Catheter is any IV catheter which terminates in the central vasculature: e.g. THE SVC or superior vena cava.

2. Central line - see above

3. PICC is a peripherally inserted central catheter, therefore, it is initially inserted in the peripheral vasculature (arms, or in babies, legs) and the tip temrinates in the SVC, or if placed in the leg vein of someone in the NICU, the tip termination would be the IVC, or inferior vena cava. When catheters terminate here, they are considered centrally placed.

4. The terminology of a long line is ambiguous: this could either mean a line which is 3-8 inches in length, or in other words a midline, or it could be a catheter > 1", but less than 3". You'd want to seek clarification on that terminology.

5. A percutaneous Central Venous Catheter is a catheter with entry into the subclavian, jugular or femoral vein and one which is placed by a MD.

Hope this helps

:)

let237 · Mar 16, 2010

Thanks for your kindly relply.

It is very useful for me ~!!!

^_^