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.