A Modified Patients' Posture for PICC Catheter Placement makes Patients more Comfortable and Relaxed.

Objective This paper aimed to evaluate a modified posture for PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) placement by comparing it with traditional posture in terms of procedure-related complications and catheter heterotopia. Method From December 2006 to December 2008, 519 patients were recruited into control group. These patients received PICC insertion by holding the traditional posture, ie, horizontal position, arm abduced about 90°, and when the needle successfully entered vein, patients were required to turn their heads to the procedure side and touch their chins to clavicle until the catheter reached the expected position. From January 2009 to June 2010, 508 patients who were to receive PICC insertion were recruited to the experiment group by holding a modified posture, in which the patients hold horizontal position, arm abduces about 90° with no other specific requirement during the insertion procedure. Results No significant differences were found between the traditional and the modified posture group in the incidence of catheter heterotopia and other procedure-related complications. Conclusion Modified posture makes patients more comfortable and relaxed during the PICC procedure. And it is especially more applicable for non-cooperative patients.