Obstructed PICC Line in the Emergency Department: Case Review and Approach to PICC Line Troubleshooting

A peripherally-inserted central catheter, or PICC line, is a long indwelling percutaneous catheter typically inserted from a vein from the upper limb threaded to the cavoatrial junction.[1–3] These devices are a popular alternative to central venous catheters (CVCs) for their functionality in an outpatient setting, lower maintenance cost, and lower risk of major procedural complications (e.g., pneumothorax).[1–3] In this paper, we describe a case of an obstructed PICC line, discuss the variations in PICC line structure and placement, and strategies for troubleshooting common issues in PICC line management.[1–5]