Abstract

Peripherally Insertion Central Catheter ( PICC ) represents today a new option for central venous access used by qualified nurses. This study evaluates PICCs placed in patients with the purpose of observing the length of stay, its efficacy in cytostatic treatments, to identify possible problems during placement and manipulation, and to suggest adequate techniques for the utilization of these devices in patients at Instituto Nacional do Câncer (INCA) / Hos-pital do Câncer. Forty catheters type L-Cath® were placed in patients at the Clinical Oncology Service. The data related to length of stay of the devices were analyzed using a median value, and the other results were also analyzed on a descriptive form. The com-plications that lead to the removal of the catheter were: externalization of the catheter caused by the inefficiency of the dressing adhesive, catheter occlusion, phlebitis, dermatitis caused by the dressings, perforation of the catheter by inadequate manipulation, and change on the clinical conduct. The per-manence of the PICC on central venous varied between 1 and 169 days. The adequate techniques of placement, maintenance and handling of these catheters for patients at INCA / Hospital do Câncer were established following this study.

Key words: peripherally inserted central venous catheter; chemotherapy; central venous access; nursing.