Observation and analysis of malposition of catheter during PICC at different body positions

Objective To study the incidence of malposition of catheter at different body positions during the operation of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC),and then select the optimum position to increase the success rate of insertion. Methods 155 patients were randomly divided into the horizontal position group (55 cases),the semi-reclining position group (49 cases) and the sitting position group (51cases).They all used chest X-ray to conffirm the position of top end of the catheter after insertion and then comparing the incidence rate of malposition of catheter among three groups. Results After insertion,11 patients' catheters were found malposition.Among them,8 patients were in the semi-reclining position group (incidence rate 16.3％),2 patients were in the horizontal position group (incidence rate 3.6％) and only one patient was in the sitting position group (incidence rate 1.9％ ).Incidence rate of catheter malposition in the semi-reclining position group was significantly higher than other two groups. Conclusions The best position for PICC is the horizontal position.If the patient has expiratory dyspnea or need to adjust the malposition catheter,sitting position can be used.Semi-reclining position should be avoided in the operation of PICC. Key words: Body position; Peripherally inserted central catheter, Malposition of catheter