Hickman catheter implantation in the treatment of acute leukaemia.

Between June 1984 and May 1986, 13 Hickman catheters were introduced in 11 patients for the treatment of acute leukaemia. The catheters remained in situ for a mean period of 77 days (range 1-180). Two of the patients developed haematomas at the entry site and one patient had a blockage of the catheter due to a blood clot which required intervention. Six patients had documented bacteraemia which on blood culture showed enteric organisms and was not catheter related. No catheter had to be removed due to a catheter-related complication. Hickman right atrial catheter provides a safe and reliable venous access with minimum complications and is well tolerated by the patient.