The use of intravenous access devices is fundamental for all patients needing frequent blood sample collection, artificial nutrition, chemotherapy, antibiotic therapy, and any other intravenous treatment. This is important both in hospital and home settings. The big news in the last ten years has been the introduction of PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters) and MIDLINE catheters. These intravenous catheters are used by trained physicians and nurses and the insertion is ultrasound-guided. This manual offers a thorough description of the several clinical settings in which these devices are used and provides clear information on the insertion procedures and management. Also, the authors take into consideration the technical characteristics of the materials, the replacement and removal procedures, as well as how to effectively prevent complications.

Autores:

Mauro Pittiruti, Department of Surgical Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma.

Giancarlo Scoppettuolo, Department of Surgical Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma.

Venous access devices are necessary for any patient requiring re- peated blood sampling, parenteral nutrition, chemotherapy, antibiotic therapy or other IV treatments to be delivered in the hospital setting or at home. In the last decade, ultrasound-guided PICCs and Midline catheters – inserted by adequately trained physicians or nurses - have suddenly and widely spread in the eld of venous access devices all over the world. The introduction and diffusion of PICCs in Italy has been historical- ly linked to the GAVeCeLT association (the Italian Group of Long Term Venous Access Devices) and particularly to the authors’ scienti c and didactic activity. This volume examines the clinical indications for these devices and illustrates the details of their insertion and management in several clinical settings. Furthermore, all the speci cations regard- ing the materials to use and all the aspects related to device removal and replacement, as well as the different strategies for complications prevention, are thoroughly discussed.