For the past few weeks, my PICC line has been having leaking problems. Each week when I would go get the dressing changed, the LLMD said air builds up in the line & works like a stopper. He would then withdraw it out with an empty syringe (very nerve-racking!). Then it would infuse well and all would be good. But after about four days or so, it would start leaking again - heavily, as if virtually nothing was going in.
Why is air building up so quickly and what can I do to minimize it?
Posted by jenny76 (Member # 18205) on :
Danni do you clamp the line when done infusing? Maybe I am not understanding. Is there actual liquid coming out as well?
Posted by keltyl (Member # 14050) on :
I'm not sure either exactly what you mean.
As a word of caution...my picc leaked rocephin and really burned my skin badly. Had to have it pulled and another put in. Although mine had come out too far also. My LD said there may be a little pinhole in it.
Nothing to monkey around with, it can be dangerous.
Posted by Limeaid (Member # 22357) on :
I agree. If the picc is leaking you should get it pulled, and have another placed. You are at increased risk of infection, and that can get pretty severe. Can you call your home health nurse and discuss with her?
Posted by xoxoxox (Member # 18778) on :
Jenny - yep, I always click the clamp closed (say that three times fast!) Everything leaks back out through the insertion point (saline, Rocephin & Hepron). My LLMD said the tubing is aerated in a way to help reduce the amount of air that enters your vein.
ketyl - the Rocephin has been irritating to my skin too. Now, if the saline injection leaks out, I won't even try the Rocephin.
Limeaid - My next LLMD appt is tomorrow and I will talk it over with him for sure.
Thanks. This PICC is the third one they have done so getting another is something I absolutely dread! I just wondered if anyone else has had a similar experience and find out if anything can be done. If so, please let me know.
Posted by merrygirl (Member # 12041) on :
if it is leaking at the insertion site, i dont think there is anything they can do. I used to put them in in animals and i would pull yours if it were up to me. not a doctor or a nurse for people.
good luck.
hopefully they know some trick.
melissa
Posted by johnnywv (Member # 23012) on :
I think they can pull it out a little ways and put a new end on it.
Posted by merrygirl (Member # 12041) on :
if its leaking out the hole in the skin you may need it pulled. however if it is leaking at the end where the luer lock system is they can replace that,
Posted by xoxoxox (Member # 18778) on :
Ugh, wishing for better news
Thanks
Posted by Rumigirl (Member # 15091) on :
It sounds like it needs to be pulled. Sorry for the bad news. I had leaking problems, too, and had to have my line pulled.
One thing my nurse tried first was to have an enzyme rx'd that he infused into the line, but not into me, that cleared the line, as he said it was clogged. That helped for a few days, but then it was back to leaking---so out it came. Mine was leaking further down.
It sounds like you could think about a port next, if you want to continue with IV. What we go through!! But be careful; you don't want sepsis!
Posted by springshowers (Member # 19863) on :
I just got a picc after my port got removed due to infection.
I was reading over the problems in the booklet I have.
There is a spot that says if there are any leaks that this is an emergency situation.
So I would not mess around and wait to get medical attention.
From someone who just went through a major blood infection caused by my port without even any signs or symptoms around the port.... I would say you can not be too careful !!!!
![[Frown]](frown.gif)