A certain Photo of a tube attached to the right arm of the Nigerian President-Elect, Bola Tinubu, has caused reactions on social media.
The controversy started on Monday when Tinubu arrived Nigeria from Paris, France.
Tinubu had left the country for France on Tuesday, March 21 to rest and plan the transition programme ahead of his inauguration on May 29.
He returned with his wife, Senator Oluremi; and they were received by the Vice-President-Elect, Kashim Shettima; Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; amongst many other high-ranking members of the party.
The President-Elect was received by a cheery crowd of supporters decked up in party paraphernalia.
However in a photo which trended on social media yesterday, the President-Elect was seen wearing a tube, which experts identified as PICC line.
What Is PICC Line?
It’s called Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) Line. Inserts into the vein in the upper arm. Inside your body, the PICC goes through the vein in the arm to a large vein in the chest.
Outside the body, the PICC splits into 1, 2, or 3 smaller tubes called lumens. Each lumen has a needleless connector (also called a clave) and a disinfection cap on the end.
According to some medical experts, PICC is used to deliver medications and other treatments directly to the large central veins near your heart.
“Your doctor might recommend a PICC line if your treatment plan requires frequent needle sticks for medicine or blood draws,” Dr Gerald Okoye told SaharaReporters.
Why Is PICC Line done?
It’s used to deliver drugs and other treatments directly to large central veins near the heart.
PICC line is recommended in the following conditions;
1. Cancer treatment
Chemotherapy is delivered through a PICC line.
2. Liquid Nutrition
If the body can’t process nutrients from food due to digestive system problems, a PICC line is recommended.
3. Infection Treatment
Antibiotics and antifungal medicines can be given through a PICC line for serious infection.
4. Other Medications
Some medicines can irritate the small veins, and giving these treatments through the PICC line reduces that risk.
