Where Is A Hickman Line Placed: A Guide To Placement

Is a Hickman line the same as a central line? A central line, which is alternatively known as a skin-tunnelled central venous catheter, is a slender, hollow tube employed for the administration of various medical treatments, including chemotherapy. These central lines are occasionally referred to by specific brand names, such as Hickman® or Groshong® lines. To clarify, a Hickman line is a type of central line, and it’s one of several different brands and variations available for medical procedures requiring intravenous access.

A Hickman line in the chest is a specialized medical device consisting of a lengthy, pliable plastic tube. It is carefully inserted beneath the skin of the chest wall and threaded into a major vein that directly connects to the heart, as illustrated in Figure 1. A Hickman line falls into the category of tunnelled central lines, designed to facilitate various medical procedures and treatments. Within the tube itself, there exists a central channel known as the lumen. Depending on the medical requirements, Hickman lines can come in configurations with one, two, or even three lumens, allowing for versatile medical applications. These lines play a crucial role in delivering medications, nutrients, or drawing blood, enhancing patient care in a variety of healthcare settings.

Hickman lines, PICC lines, and Portacaths are all examples of central venous catheters, which are specialized tubes inserted into major veins to facilitate various medical treatments. These catheters can be inserted through veins located in different parts of the body for specific medical purposes. Portacaths and Hickman lines are typically placed in the veins within the neck, chest, or groin area, while PICC lines, short for peripherally inserted central catheters, are introduced through veins in the arms. Understanding the distinctions between these catheter types and their insertion locations is essential for both patients and healthcare providers.