Why Are We Trimming Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheters?

PERIPHERALLY INSERTED CENTRAL venous catheters (PICCs) are used as the standard of care for longterm intravenous access in neonates treated in neonatal intensive care units. Little evidence supports many of the practices associated with PICC lines, however. Some practices needing more evidence include catheter tip placement in very low birth weight neonates, the catheter insertion site, the catheter material, insertion site dressings, and mechanisms to prevent catheter-related sepsis. Of particular concern is the practice of trimming the excess length off the distal end of the catheter prior to insertion.