The Thigh PICC: A Novel Approach to Long- term Vascular Access in Palliative Care - A Retrospective Study

Background Vascular access in palliative care presents unique challenges when traditional sites are unavailable. This study introduces and evaluates the thigh Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC), a novel approach for patients with compromised superior vena cava access [1]. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from January 2017 to December 2021, examining outcomes of thigh PICC placements in palliative care patients. The technique involves ultrasound-guided placement in the common femoral vein with tunneling to a mid-thigh exit site [2, 3]. Results 65 patients received thigh PICCs (67.7% female, 32.3% male; 43.1% ≤60 years). Primary indications were palliative care (35.4%), palliative chemotherapy (38.5%), and parenteral nutrition (18.5%) [4]. Median device duration was 4 months (range: 10 days to 42.1 months). Overall complication rate was 20%, including clinical thrombosis (7.7%) [8], infection (7.7%) [9], and mechanical complications (6.1%). Trial Registration Not applicable (retrospective study)