Saphenous vein peripherally inserted central catheters: Technique, indications and safety issues.

This article describes the technique of saphenous vein peripherally inserted central catheter placement, which is used as an alternative site for venous access in our institution, and examines saphenous vein peripherally inserted central catheter safety issues and indications. Three end-stage renal failure patients, two patients diagnosed with malignancy and one renal transplant patient had a saphenous peripherally inserted central catheter (inserted between March 2004 and March 2006 for antibiotics or chemotherapy. The average duration of placement was 16.2 days (range 3-42 days). All insertions were carried out successfully, with an average screening time of 81.2 s. None of the patients experienced any major complications. Two patients developed localized cellulitis at the insertion site.