PICC vs. Port-a-Cath – What’s the Difference?

20 May 2025
A nurse inserts a picc line in an arm

PICC vs. Port-a-Cath – What's the Difference?

The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

There’s a moment when a doctor starts talking about PICCs and Port-a-Caths, and suddenly the room feels like it’s filled with medical jargon. You’re trying to keep up, to stay calm, to absorb it all — but it’s a lot. Especially when the conversation is about your child. Understanding the difference between a PICC line and a Port-a-Cath can ease some of that worry and help you feel more prepared for what comes next.

Both PICCs and Port-a-Caths are central lines. That means they give doctors direct access to larger veins in the body, making treatments like chemotherapy, long-term antibiotics, IV nutrition, or frequent blood draws a little more manageable. But which one is right for your child? And what’s day-to-day life like with either? Let’s explore the basics so you can feel more confident and informed.

What Is a PICC Line?

A PICC line (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) is a thin, flexible tube that’s inserted through a vein in the arm and guided toward a large vein near the heart. It’s usually placed with ultrasound or X-ray guidance, often under local anesthesia, and is commonly used when treatment will last for weeks or a few months.

Benefits of a PICC Line

  • Often easier to place than a port
  • Can stay in place for several weeks to a few months
  • Less invasive procedure with no need for surgery
  • Allows blood draws without repeated needle sticks

Challenges of a PICC Line

  • Needs daily care and flushing to keep it working well
  • Remains visible outside the arm, which some children may find uncomfortable
  • Restricts activities like swimming and contact sports
  • Higher chance of accidental tugging or dislodging
  • Slightly increased risk of clots in the arm veins

What Is a Port-a-Cath?

A Port-a-Cath (often called a port) is a small medical device implanted under the skin, usually on the chest. It connects to a catheter that leads to a vein near the heart. To access the port, a special needle is inserted through the skin. Placement typically requires a short surgical procedure under general anesthesia.

Benefits of a Port

  • Can remain in place for months or even years
  • Hidden under the skin, making it less visible
  • Lower day-to-day maintenance once healed
  • Often allows more freedom in physical activity (like swimming) once the incision heals
  • Lower risk of accidental dislodgement than a PICC
  • Typically lower initial infection risk than some other central lines

Challenges of a Port

  • Requires surgery for placement and eventual removal
  • Accessing the port involves a needle stick, numbing cream is often used on the port before needle access although
  • some children may find it a little uncomfortable
  • Slightly higher upfront infection risk due to surgical procedure
  • Scar tissue can form around the device
    Some children may experience skin sensitivity or irritation over the port site

PICC vs. Port: How to Choose?

Choosing between a PICC and a port depends on a number of factors, including the expected length of treatment, your child’s daily activity level, their preferences, and how they feel about visible medical equipment.

A PICC may be the right choice for shorter treatments that will only last a few weeks or months. It’s a less invasive option, which can be helpful when time is limited or when surgery isn’t ideal. On the other hand, if your child is expected to need treatment over a longer period — or if they’re very active and want to participate in swimming or sports — a port may offer more freedom and less day-to-day disruption.

Port-a-cath being inserted into someone in hospital

Talking through these factors with your care team can help you make the decision that feels right for your family.

Tips for Care and Maintenance

Whichever central line your child receives, caring for it properly is key to preventing complications and making daily life easier.

Keep the Site Clean and Dry: Follow your child’s care plan for cleaning, flushing, and dressing changes.

Watch for Signs of Infection: Redness, swelling, fever, or discharge at the site should always be taken seriously.

Flushing the Line: Regular flushing keeps the line clear and reduces the risk of clots.

Avoid Bumps or Pulls: Whether your child is playing, sleeping, or getting dressed, gentle handling helps avoid damage or dislodgement.

Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Routine checks help ensure the line is working properly and that any issues are caught early.

Supporting Your Child Emotionally

Having a PICC or port can bring up a lot of feelings for a child. They may worry about how it looks, whether it will hurt, or what others might say. A big part of supporting your child through this experience is helping them feel comfortable and seen.

Normalize the Device: Children often feel better when they can see other examples of kids like them. Inclusive medical play support tools, like those from The Butterfly Pig, offer a chance to explore what a PICC or port looks like and practice how it works through play. This kind of play can help turn something unknown into something they understand.

Create a Routine: Establishing a gentle, predictable routine around line care can make the process feel less stressful. Simple things like a favorite story, a calming playlist, or a silly joke can offer a sense of comfort and control.

Use Clear, Supportive Language: Be honest with your child about what the line is for, using age-appropriate words. Avoid over-promising or skipping important details, but try to keep the tone positive and reassuring.

Keeping Kids Active and Safe

Having a central line doesn’t mean kids have to stop being kids — it just means they might need to do things a little differently.

For PICC lines, it’s important to avoid water exposure and rough activities. Sleeves or protective wraps can help keep the line secure. For ports, once the incision has healed, most children can resume activities like swimming or playing sports, with a little guidance from their medical team.

Your child’s care team can offer advice on how to adapt certain activities or create safe alternatives. Encouraging your child to stay engaged with the things they love — in a way that’s safe — can help maintain confidence and emotional wellbeing.

When to Call the Doctor

Always reach out to your child’s healthcare provider if you notice:

  • A fever above 100.4°F
  • Redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge at the insertion site
  • Pain or tenderness along the line or port
  • Difficulty flushing the line or unusual resistance
  • Shortness of breath, chest pain, or sudden swelling in the neck or face

Being proactive is key. Trust your instincts — you know your child best.

Final Thoughts

Navigating central lines like PICCs and ports can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right information, it becomes more manageable. Understanding the differences, knowing how to care for the device, and supporting your child emotionally are all essential steps.

We believe in helping children feel empowered, even during complex medical journeys. Our inclusive, research-backed medical play support tools are designed to make medical experiences more approachable, giving children the opportunity to explore, learn, and feel seen. Through playful learning and gentle routines, medical devices like PICCs and ports become a little less scary — and a lot more familiar.

With the right tools and support, your child can navigate their care with resilience and confidence. They’re more than their diagnosis. They’re brave, curious, and capable — and their story is just getting started.