Challenges of PICC placement via the popliteal vein under ultrasound guidance in a patient with severe burns: A case report

Abstract

Peripherally inserted central catheters are widely used in patients with extensive burns, with the guidelines recommending insertion through unburned skin. This case report describes a patient who was burned over 88% of their surface area and suffered severe inhalation injury. For him, the popliteal vein was the only vein on unburned skin available for catheter catheterization. Based on evidence, we successfully placed a peripherally inserted central catheter through the popliteal vein under ultrasound while the patient was in the prone position and avoided associated complications.