A PICC Sleeve Explained...

Talking with friends recently about PICCPals and the fabulous work the team are doing, it became apparent that (luckily) not all of us have encountered a PICC line before and therefore may have no real understanding of what one is and why a cover/sleeve is needed. So we thought it would be a good idea to explain how a PICC line works and why a PICC cover/sleeve is such a simple and yet valuable thing to have when you are enduring PICCline life.

So.... What is a PICC line?

A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), also called a PICC line is a long thin tube that is inserted through a vein in your arm and passed through to the larger veins near your heart. Very rarely, the PICC line may be placed in your leg.

Images - courtesy of Macmillan Cancer Support

Sometimes the PICC line is made up of 2 or 3 fine tubes. These are joined as 1 tube inside the body and divide into 2 or 3 lines outside of the body. This allows for different treatments to be delivered at the same time.

The *end of the PICC line comes out of the arm at the crook of the elbow and a dressing holds the PICC line in place.

And.... What is a PICC line cover/ sleeve?

A PICC line cover/sleeve is a simple tube of fabric - usually scuba - which is gently shaped to fit the arm and cover the *end of the PICC line.

Patients are usually given a piece of elasticated bandage when they leave the hospital with a newly fitted line, which often becomes dirty and tired.

Our covers/sleeves are designed to look less 'medical' than elasticated bandages and are available in a range of colours and prints. They can also be worn as a pair to mimic a layered T-shirt.

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