Access devices are becoming more and more complex with various materials and configurations.  A new product recently developed by Bard Access Systems™ (C.R. Bard, Inc. Salt Lake City, Utah) is called a PowerPICC Solo Catheter™.  This catheter is inserted in the same manner as other peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC's) and is made of polyurethane.

This PICC has a valve in the hub that simplifies care and maintenance.  It can be maintained by flushing with sodium chloride (normal saline) once weekly when not in use.  Following infusion of TPN, antibiotics, or other medications, it is flushed with sodium chloride only.  Heparin is not needed because of the valve, which reduces blood reflux.  This may also limit the risk of heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).

In addition, there is no clamp and neutral or positive pressure end caps may be used.  It comes in single, double, or triple lumens and is purple and blue in color.

Home TPN consumers often have PICC’s placed for short term therapy or during catheter related bloodstream infection until a permanent catheter can be replaced.  With all the different catheters now available, it is very important to get an identification card any time a new line is placed. Never assume that the PICC you had placed last year is the same make and model as the one you get today.  Knowing exactly what catheter you have helps to define the type of care and flushing it needs.