[The Hickman catheter in bone marrow transplantation, long-term cytostatic and infusion therapy. Experience of 102 catheters in children].

Right atrial Hickman catheters are used for long-term venous access in children suffering from leukemia and malignoma. Parenteral alimentation, blood withdrawal and bone marrow transplantation can be performed safely without high incidence of cutaneous infections and sepsis due to a long subcutaneous tunnel. Aseptic dressing changes and catheter care are the most important prerequisites for a low complication rate in the use of these catheters. Septicemia and technical complications observed following the use of 102 Hickman catheters in 81 children are reported and discussed.