What is a hickman catheter?

Special IV line: This catheter is routinely used in leukemia treatment. It is a long sterile tube that surgeons place under the skin in a "tunnel" and then it enters a large blood vessel. This is done to prevent bacteria from entering the catheter. This allows the administration of chemotherapy, transfusions, fluids, other drugs and also allows the many blood draws involved in leukemia treatment.

Hickman catheter: A hickman line is a central venous catheter most often used for the administration of chemotherapy or other medications, as well as for the withdrawal of blood for analysis. Some types are used mainly for the purpose of apheresis or dialysis. Hickman lines may remain in place for extended periods and are used when long-term intravenous access is needed.