First experience with peripherally inserted central catheter for head and neck chemotherapy

Abstract

This report describes our first experience with a peripherally inserted central catheter(PICC)for head and neck chemotherapy. It is more convenient and safer than conventional central venous catheter insertion. We used a PICC 40 times from December 2009 to May 2010. There were no serious complications, pneumothorax. Catheter-related bloodstream infection occurred only in one early case. This catheter may be useful for head and neck chemotherapy.