Alternative NamesPICC - infants; PQC - infants; Pic line - infants; Per-Q cath - infantsInformationA percutaneously inserted central catheter (PICC) is a long, very thin, soft plastic tube that is placed in a small blood vessel. This article discusses PICCs in babies.WHY IS A PICC USED?The primary reason for a PICC is to deliver fluids and medicine over a long period of time without having to frequently replace an IV. A regular IV usually lasts only 1 - 3 days before needing to be replaced. A PICC can often be kept in for 2 - 3 weeks, or longer. Infants most likely to benefit from a PICC include those who are very immature, who have bowel problems that prevent feeding, or who need to take IV medicines for a long time.HOW IS A PICC PLACED?The baby will be given pain medicine. The health car