A special cream is spread on the skin to numb the nerves and prevent pain. Some children may also be given medicine before the procedure to make them sleepy. After the arm is cleaned with special soap more numbing medicine is injected under the skin to provide more comfort. When the area is numb, the insertion of the catheter will start. The PICC line is placed through the skin and into a vein in the arm using a needle. The needle will be removed and the catheter will remain in the child's arm.