The Sherlock 3CG Tip Confirmation System for placement of peripherally inserted central catheters

NICE has assessed the Sherlock 3CG Tip Confirmation System (TCS) to help the NHS decide whether to use this product.

A peripherally inserted central catheter, or PICC, is a hollow tube inserted through a large vein in or near the arm. Many PICCs are placed using blind insertion (that is, with no mechanical guidance), and then a chest X-ray is taken to ensure the PICC is in the correct position before it is used. These X-rays can delay the start of treatment or monitoring. 

Using real-time tracking of the PICC tip, the Sherlock 3CG TCS allows the person placing the PICC to make sure it is in the correct position. NICE has said that the Sherlock 3CG TCS can be used instead of blind insertion to aid PICC placement, and in most cases it avoids the need for the confirmatory chest X-ray.

Healthcare teams may want to use the Sherlock 3CG TCS because it is generally a similar cost or may be cost saving compared with blind insertion, depending on the hospital settings and local conditions. Using the device also increases staff confidence when placing PICCs.

ISBN: 978-1-4731-1231-5