Using ultrasound, medical personnel see a close-up view of the blood vessels allowing them to decide which ones are large enough to accommodate the PICC line. Vein diameter is important. There must be enough space around the line to allow for blood flow. If there isn’t, blood clots form. Should they break loose, clots can travel in the bloodstream to the lungs and interfere with blood supply. If a clot forms at the insertion site, both the PICC line and the clot must be removed. It can take months before professionals consider it safe to insert the PICC line again. Shortness of breath or an irregular heartbeat are indications of a possible clot.

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