Hi All,
So, I'm in the middle of a home cleanout... its going pretty well.
I had a new experience with the PICC placement last week, and am very curiuos about protocols at other clinics, and what other people prefer. I'm not really looking for horror stories, but if you want to share, feel free.
This PICC was my first time having it placed in the Interventional Radiology department at the hospital. Compared to previous placements done bedside or in a standard outpatient room, IR was AMAZING. They kicked ass. Here's why:
I walked into the IR admitting area, changed from street clothes into a gown, and was wheeled into a cleanroom - looked and felt a lot like an OR. This room felt SO much cleaner than all previous experiences. I was also fully covered with a sterile sheet, which didn't happen in any other setting, and I generally felt that the level of caution concerning infection control was extremely high.
Placement was amazingly smooth. My other experiences with PICC placements did not have the number of tools available to the individual doing the placement. In addition to Ultrasound, the Dr used live action x-ray to make sure the line went in correctly. The skill level of the provider was amazing. He had an intern in the room with him, and the quote was "I can't really explain it, but I'm doing it by feel." I felt like I had the guy who is good enough to do it blindfolded.
Compared to past experiences that have hit nerves on insertion, felt generally uncomfortable, etc., this was excellent.
So... who else has had their placements done in IR?? How did it compare for you?
For reference, I'm most interested in adult protocols... with placement in the upper arm/armpit.... not child protocols with placement in the bend of the arm (elbow).
Thanks!
Chris
26m w/CF
So, I'm in the middle of a home cleanout... its going pretty well.
I had a new experience with the PICC placement last week, and am very curiuos about protocols at other clinics, and what other people prefer. I'm not really looking for horror stories, but if you want to share, feel free.
This PICC was my first time having it placed in the Interventional Radiology department at the hospital. Compared to previous placements done bedside or in a standard outpatient room, IR was AMAZING. They kicked ass. Here's why:
I walked into the IR admitting area, changed from street clothes into a gown, and was wheeled into a cleanroom - looked and felt a lot like an OR. This room felt SO much cleaner than all previous experiences. I was also fully covered with a sterile sheet, which didn't happen in any other setting, and I generally felt that the level of caution concerning infection control was extremely high.
Placement was amazingly smooth. My other experiences with PICC placements did not have the number of tools available to the individual doing the placement. In addition to Ultrasound, the Dr used live action x-ray to make sure the line went in correctly. The skill level of the provider was amazing. He had an intern in the room with him, and the quote was "I can't really explain it, but I'm doing it by feel." I felt like I had the guy who is good enough to do it blindfolded.
Compared to past experiences that have hit nerves on insertion, felt generally uncomfortable, etc., this was excellent.
So... who else has had their placements done in IR?? How did it compare for you?
For reference, I'm most interested in adult protocols... with placement in the upper arm/armpit.... not child protocols with placement in the bend of the arm (elbow).
Thanks!
Chris
26m w/CF