Correcting Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Placement by External Manipulation of the Upper Limb Extremity

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) play a critical role in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), facilitating treatment in premature and critically ill neonates. However, achieving optimal PICC placement can present challenges, requiring meticulous monitoring and adjustment. Here, we describe the case of a 52-day-old, 1.9 kg preterm infant in the NICU requiring a central venous catheter for antibiotics and antifungals. Despite initial insertion into the basilic vein of the right forearm, imaging revealed the catheter's deviation into the right internal jugular vein. Leveraging the influence of arm position on catheter tip depth, external manipulation of the infant's right arm successfully repositioned the catheter tip into the superior vena cava (SVC). This case highlights the significant impact of arm positioning on PICC placement and underscores the efficacy of external extremity manipulation as a simple, non-invasive technique to adjust catheter position. Such innovative strategies offer promising alternatives to invasive interventions, emphasizing the importance of dynamic monitoring and adjustment techniques in neonatal PICC management.