A standardised approach to the insertion of Hickman catheters.

A standardised technique for the insertion of Hickman catheters under local anaesthetic is described. The external jugular vein is to be preferred, but if this proves too small the catheter may be introduced via the internal jugular vein using a Seldinger technique. A total of 44 Hickman catheters were inserted into 44 patients using this approach without major complication.