Which material and device? The choice of PICC

Abstract

Until a few years ago, the PICCs were typically “silicone catheters.”In the last 10 years, new and promising materials like polyurethanes have been made available with new and interesting features for medical applications.It is therefore clear that with the growth of knowledge and use of PICCs, there is an increasing interest in understanding more about such materials.This chapter talks about differences in the materials used for PICC catheters. The materials are seen with regard to their physical and chemical properties and their implication in the clinical setting. The new materials are mentioned too. The chapter ends with final recommendations for PICC users.