 If venous access is required on a frequent basis over a short period, a catheter having external access is more commonly used.A peripherally inserted central catheter, or PICC line (pronounced "pick"), is a central venous catheter inserted into a vein in the arm (via the basilic or cephalic veins) rather than a vein in the neck or chest.The basilic vein is usually a better target for cannulation than the cephalic vein because it is larger and runs a straighter course through the arm.