Abstract:
Background: Evidence is insufficient on the effect of tunnel lengths on tunneled peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement in adult patients with cancer.
Objectives: The primary objective was to explore whether there is an optimal PICC tunnel length to reduce the risk of PICC-related complications. The secondary objective was to compare patients’ pain and comfort levels during catheter placement with different tunnel lengths.
Methods: Two hundred patients were randomly assigned to groups based on PICC tunnel length. Data collected included baseline characteristics, catheter-related characteristics, PICC-related complications, and patients’ pain and comfort levels.
Findings: Patients with 4 cm, 5 cm, and 6 cm PICC tunnel lengths had a longer catheter dwell time and fewer PICC-related complications. No significant differences were found among all groups regarding patients’ pain and comfort levels. The results suggest that a tunneled PICC is safe and effective. A tunnel length longer than 4 cm is recommended for tunneled PICC placement.
Reference:Li J, Hu Z, Lin X, Huang W, Huang C, Luo J, Li L, Zhang X, Qin H. A Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Tunnel Lengths in Adult Patients With Cancer. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2023 May 18;27(3):295-304. doi: 10.1188/23.CJON.295-304. PMID: 37267488.