Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of different hemostatic methods on bleeding from PICC puncture site in the elderly patients. Methods A total of 150 elderly patients who underwent PICC placement at the Affiliated Geriatric Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from April 2022 to April 2024 were enrolled. Based on hemostatic methods, the patients were divided into the thrombin group (n=75) and the regular group (n=75). In the thrombin group, lyophilized thrombin powder was applied at the puncture site post-insertion, followed by catheter fixation and local compression with the hemostatic device for 15 minutes. The regular group received catheter fixation and compression with the hemostatic device for 15 minutes without thrombin powder. The incidence rate of complications was compared between the two groups. Results Compared with the regular group, the bleeding volume 24 h after insertion, duration of persistent puncture site bleeding, and the number of dressing changes within 7 d in the thrombin group were significantly reduced (all P<0.05). No infections were observed at the puncture sites in either group. Conclusions Application of lyophilized thrombin powder at the PICC puncture site in the elderly patients can effectively reduce post-procedural bleeding volume and duration, decrease catheter maintenance frequency, alleviate patients’ financial burden, and enhance clinical nursing efficiency.

Key words: lyophilized thrombin powder, compression hemostatic device, peripherally inserted central catheter, bleeding, aged