The PICC Guard is a tamper-evident device that adds tamper-resistance to unwarranted access of
intravenous lines.
​
Possible indications for use of a PICC Guard:
​
-
IV Drug Use (IVDU)
Patients with a history of IVDU have high infection rates and are at risk to access their intravenous lines.
a. Outpatient Setting
Due to fear that patients with a history of IVDU may abuse PICC lines, these patients are often kept
inpatient in either a hospital or subacute rehabilitation. The PICC Guard enables monitoring of PICC line access to allow outpatient treatment of this demographic. Every day when a patient arrives for treatment, the existing PICC
Dr. Jesse Justus D.O.
Cell: (608) 751-7898
Or
​
Michael Justus
Cell: (414) 416-3380
For more information contact:
Guard is removed and destroyed, and treatment is administered. Following treatment, a new PICC Guard is placed. If a patient is found to be tampering with their lines, then they can be placed in an inpatient setting. The cost savings of attempted outpatient trial could be substantial, while increasing patient safety.
​
b. Inpatient Setting
Patients in the hospital are also capable of abusing their lines. Drugs may be brought in by both the patient or friends and family. Patients who access their lines in a non-sterile manner increase the risk of serious infections or overdose, and necessitate prolonged health care.
​
2. Jail/Incarcerated Patients
Patients in jail or prison may attempt to access their lines. PICC Guards would improve treatments in this patient population.
​
3. Pediatric Patients
Pediatric patients with venous access lines may tamper with lines accidentally, out of curiosity, or boredom. Placement of a PICC Guard over the port decreases the likelihood of infection or air emboli.
4. Intellectual Disability/Psychiatric Patients
Patients in this category may lack insight regarding their medical devices. PICC Guards could be used to lessen adverse outcomes in the same way they are used in a pediatric population.
​
5. Pharmaceutical Research
Drug companies will be able to collect higher quality data due to the securement of lines. This newly strengthened data would increase confidence in results obtained in clinical trials, and enhance the overall efficaciousness of pharmaceutical clinical studies.
​
The PICC Guard is designed for use with a variety of lines and hubs and is
currently optimized for:
o PICC Lines
o Dialysis Catheters