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This page describes products and general use; it is not medical advice.
A valved PICC is a peripherally inserted central catheter with a built-in valve that controls flow through the lumen, instead of an open end that is managed only with clamps and caps. Where the valve sits differs by design: the PASV design has valves at the proximal luer-lock adapters, the Groshong design has a valve near the closed distal tip, and an open-ended catheter has none. This page sets the designs side by side. For the basics of the line itself, see what a PICC line is.
What a valved PICC is
A valved PICC (also called a valved catheter) contains a pressure-responsive valve in the fluid path. An open-ended catheter, the other main category, has an unvalved lumen that is open at the tip. FDA classifies long-term intravascular therapeutic catheters under product code LJS, a Class 2 device under 21 CFR 880.5970 (openFDA classification database, checked 2026-10-30).
Where the valve sits: PASV, Groshong and open-ended
PASV and PASV PICC
PASV stands for Pressure Activated Safety Valve. In the FDA 510(k) K111906 (Navilyst Medical, decision 2011-07-29), the Xcela Hybrid PICC with PASV valve technology is a triple-lumen catheter whose extension tubes connect to proximally located luer-lock adapters with two pressure activated safety valves. One lumen is non-valved and is used for central venous pressure monitoring.
Groshong-type distal valve
The Groshong design places a three-position valve near the closed tip rather than at the hub. CASRAI covers it in Groshong catheter and in the Groshong vs Hickman comparison.
Open-ended catheter
An open-ended (non-valved) PICC has no valve in the lumen. In the randomized study below it was the control design.
| Design | Valve position | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PASV PICC | Proximal, at the luer-lock adapters on the extension tubes | FDA 510(k) K111906 |
| Groshong | Distal, near the closed tip | FDA 510(k) K201452 (see Groshong catheter guide) |
| Open-ended, non-valved | No valve | Johnston et al. 2012 (study arm) |
What the evidence says about occlusion
Johnston AJ and colleagues randomized 102 intensive care patients to three dual-lumen PICC types: open-ended non-valved, Groshong and PASV (the ELeCTRiC study, J Vasc Access 2012;13(4):421-5). Overall, 35% of catheters occluded, 76 per 1,000 catheter days.
| PICC type | Catheters occluded | Occlusions per 1,000 catheter days |
|---|---|---|
| Open-ended, non-valved | 38% | 79 |
| Groshong | 38% | 60 |
| PASV | 27% | 99 |
The authors state that the presence or type of valve did not significantly influence the occlusion rate, and conclude that valved PICCs do not appear to influence occlusion rates. This was one trial in an ICU population.
Sizes and specifications that matter
For the cleared Xcela Hybrid PICC with PASV valve technology (K111906): 6 F outer diameter, triple lumen, maximum power injection flow rate of 6 mL/sec, and lumens not rated for power injection are marked "NO CT". Indications are short- or long-term peripheral access to the central venous system for IV therapy, blood sampling and power injection of contrast media. The submission states the design is consistent with ISO 10555-1 and ISO 10555-3. Other models have their own labelled specifications in the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Safe use and handling basics
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use for the specific model, including its power-injection rating, and the facility’s protocol. Insertion, flushing and locking steps are set by the IFU and the clinical team and are not covered here. Disinfecting caps are covered in disinfecting cap.
FAQ
What is a valved PICC?
A PICC with a pressure-responsive valve in the lumen, rather than an open end. PASV valves sit at the proximal adapters (K111906); Groshong valves sit near the closed tip.
What is an open-ended catheter?
A catheter with no valve in its lumen. It was the non-valved arm of the ELeCTRiC trial.
What is a valved catheter?
Another name for a catheter with a built-in valve; see the table above for the valve positions.
What does PASV mean, and what is a PASV PICC?
PASV is Pressure Activated Safety Valve. A PASV PICC is a PICC with those valves, such as the Xcela Hybrid PICC cleared in K111906.
Do valved PICCs clog less?
In one randomized ICU study, valve type did not significantly change occlusion rates.
Sources
- openFDA 510(k) record K111906 (api.fda.gov), checked 2026-10-30.
- openFDA device classification, product code LJS, 21 CFR 880.5970 (api.fda.gov), checked 2026-10-30.
- FDA 510(k) summary K111906 as mirrored by Innolitics (fda.innolitics.com/device/K111906), checked 2026-10-30.
- openFDA 510(k) record K201452, Bard Groshong NXT PICC (api.fda.gov), checked 2026-10-30.
- Johnston AJ et al. The effect of PICC valve technology on catheter occlusion rates: the ELeCTRiC study. J Vasc Access 2012;13(4):421-5 (Edinburgh Research Explorer), checked 2026-10-30.
- CASRAI: Groshong catheter; What is a PICC line.
Related supplies: IV catheters.
