Hickman catheters (Hickman Lines) Insertion

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Hickman catheters are also known as a Hickman line and were originally described by Hickman and colleagues in 1979.  Since that time this catheter has been adapted to a wide range of uses in sizes for both pediatric and adult uses.  These catheters can have single, double, or triple lumens. They are usually manufactured from soft silicon rubber or PVC.

 A Hickman line is a soft, small, long, hollow tube that is placed into a vein in the chest and ends in a larger vein just above your heart. A Hickman line is used long-term to access your veins and can be used to give chemotherapy, intravenous medications, nutrition, and to draw blood for labs. It is referred to as a central line catheter that is placed on the right side of your chest wall.

The line is put in through the jugular vein at the bottom of the neck, or the subclavian vein below the collarbone. The line has 2 or 3 openings called lumens that allow the simultaneous administration of different medications. Each lumen is sealed off with a needle-free connector at the end and has a clamp along the line to control the flow of medication or to close the line when not in use.

A Hickman line can be placed either as an in-patient or out-patient procedure. A sterile field is used to prevent infection and numbing medication is given into your chest through a small needle. The care team uses an ultrasound machine to look at your veins. A small cut is made and then the Hickman Line will be placed into the right side of your chest. The site is covered by a dressing. 

The procedure takes 30-45 minutes


Complications of Hickman catheters (Hickman Lines)

  • Bacterial infection

  • Pneumothorax 

  • Bleeding 

  • Thrombosis 

  • Fibrin sheath formation



Accounting for thorough experience and practice, Dr. Aritra Konar is a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, Kolkata. He has been deemed one of the best cardiologists in Kolkata for his expertise lies in Coronary (femoral & radial routes) angiography, Coronary angioplasty (including primary angioplasty), Peripheral angiography and angioplasty, BMV, BPV, Right heart catheterization and so on, in procedural skills. His guidance is trusted and so are his skills.


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