Objective  To explore the efficacy of measurement method for indwelling length of modified peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) through the vein of the upper extremity in increasing accuracy of catheterization between the lower part of the superior vena cava and the Cavo-atrial junction (CAJ).

  Methods  A total of 160 patients with PICC were randomly divided into control group and treatment group, with 80 cases in each group. The measurement for the control group was from the pre-puncture point in upper limb along the vein down to the third intercostal space beside the right sternal joint, the measurement for the treatment group was from the pre-puncture point in upper limb along the vein down to the sternal angle end point (2.00 cm below the sternum angle) beside the lateral edge of the righ tsternosacral joint. After successful catheterization, the position of the catheter tip was determined according to the patient′s X chest radiograph. The accuracy of the two measurement methods was compared in the position of the tip of the catheter between the lower part of the superior vena cava and the CAJ.

  Results  The accuracy of placement of PICC tube in the position between the lower part of the superior vena cava and the CAJ was 95.00% in the treatment group, which was significantly higher than 68.75% in the control group (P < 0.05).

  Conclusion  The measurement method in the treatment group is more accurate to predict the length of PICC through peripheral vein of upper extremity and reduce the risk of complications.