Can A Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters Line Cause A Stroke?

Posted on Fri, 30 Nov 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 Answered on

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : is there a danger of a picc line causing a patient to have a stroke?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (-5 hours later)

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

PICC (peripherally inserted central catheters) are usually inserted from arm vein to superior vena cava, to the right heart. So, as such, there is no direct risk of stroke with PICC.

This is because the blood supply to brain (and rest of body) comes from the left side of heart.

The complications with PICC include a risk of infection, and thrombosis in the veins.

I hope it clarifies. Please get back if you have any more queries.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar