Has anyone heard or experienced that during a PICC placement they have seen or had a guidewire get sucked into a patient's vein that was cannulated for a PICC insertion? I had heard about this possibly happening in a different hospital out of state and wondered if this is even possible or could it occur on a patient with breathing issues? I have been placing PICCs for over 2 1/2 years and have never seen a guidewire even remotely pull into a patient's vein by itself.
Please clarify. Are you referring to the original wire/stylet that is pre-loaded in the catheter or the wire used during vessel access, removed from the needle then placed inside the catheter?
it is possible. I'm sure Lynn or somebody can tell tales. Arrow has a shorter guidewire in the kit and if you've been using Bard or another brand it deserves a little extra attention. The guidewire is certainly long enough to get the job done but it definitely is shorter.
I've never heard of a stylet embolizing.
Notice Jill's use of guide wire vs stylet. Stylet is inside the catheter.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861