Why do you need to use a pulsing motion when flushing a picc line?

Question

Why do you need to use a pulsing motion when flushing a picc line?

Answer 1

I'm not sure that you need to use a "pulsing" motion per se, unless you encounter resistance which may suggest fibrin sheath formation at the tip of the catheteter or some degree of clotting.  Repeated aspiration followed by semi-forceful flushing will often allow for ease of flushing the PICC.  If it remains difficult to use the PICC, simply have it replaced.