A new device to help place central catheters safely

A Novel, Low-Cost Device to Guide Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) Line Placement

NIH-funded research Piccolo Medical, INC. · NIH-10932381

This study is working on a new, affordable device to help doctors place IV lines more accurately, which can make treatments safer and easier for patients, especially those who are very sick.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPiccolo Medical, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10932381 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a low-cost device designed to improve the placement of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), which are commonly used for IV therapies. Currently, many PICC placements are done without guidance, leading to a high rate of improper placements that can cause serious complications, especially in critically ill patients. The study aims to create a device that provides real-time navigation assistance during the placement process, potentially reducing the need for costly repositioning and minimizing risks associated with incorrect placements. By enhancing the accuracy of PICC line placements, this research seeks to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include critically ill patients, particularly those over the age of 60, who require PICC lines for IV therapies.

Not a fit: Patients who do not require PICC lines or those with contraindications for catheter placement may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective PICC placements, reducing complications and healthcare costs for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that improved guidance systems for catheter placement can significantly reduce complications, indicating a promising potential for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.