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  • Title: [The implantation of Hickman catheters. A new function of interventional radiology].
    Author: Rau WS, Rauber K, Weimar B, Pralle H.
    Journal: Radiologe; 1991 Mar; 31(3):125-31. PubMed ID: 2041866.
    Abstract:
    Hickman catheters are used mainly in patients with hematologic diseases, especially lymphatic and myelotic leukemias, and malignant lymphomas. They facilitate the administration of chemotherapeutics, hyperosmolar solutions and other substances with local toxicity as well as frequent taking of blood samples. Usually Hickman catheters are placed by surgical cut-down on a jugular vein. In lieu of this surgical placement, we recommend the implantation of Hickman catheters by means of interventional radiology techniques. In a period of 13 months 78 Hickman catheters were placed in 67 patients, 37 catheters (= 47%) stayed more than one month, 8 catheters (= 10%) stayed 5 to 8 months in the central venous system, 26, respectively 6, of these catheters are until now in situ. Lethal or life threatening complications did not occur. There were no infections at the introduction site of the catheter. The main complications were: pneumothorax without drainage: 3.2%, pneumothorax with drainage: 3.2%, slipping back of the tip of the catheter: 4.8%, thrombosis of the subclavian vein: 3.2%, fluid in the pleural cavity: 1.6%. In correspondence to the literature the complications of Hickman catheter placement by means of interventional radiology are less serious than by means of surgical cutdown. Further advantages are: general anesthesia can be avoided (less strain on severely ill patients, no problems to wean from assisted ventilation in patients with respiratory insufficiency), the smooth curve of the implanted catheter avoids sharp kinking and occlusion of the lumen, very small skin incisions are sufficient (lesser risk of hematomas in patients with thrombopenia), time and cost are reduced in comparison to surgical placement.
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