Hickman lines and PICC lines

You'll have a local anaesthetic to numb the area of your chest. Using ultrasound or X-rays to guide them, your radiologist will insert the Hickman line through a cut near your collarbone, into a large vein in your neck and towards your heart. The other end will run under your skin and out through a second cut in your chest or shoulder. This stays outside your body. Stitches will hold it in place, and may you need another X-ray to check its position.

An alternative is a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line, which usually goes in your arm, but may not be suitable in all cases. The procedure should take approximately 30 minutes to one hour.

Ahead of your procedure to insert a Hickman line or PICC line, your consultant will talk you through the procedure, what will happen and the benefits and potential risks involved. They'll discuss the medicines you take, and whether you need to stop taking any ahead of the operation.

On the day, you'll most likely need to avoid eating for six hours and drinking water for two hours beforehand. Your pulse and blood pressure will probably be checked too. You won't be able to drive for 24 hours after the procedure, so it's a good idea to arrange a lift or a taxi from the hospital in advance.

We usually carry out the procedure as a day case, and you'll stay on the ward for two to four hours to ensure you've fully recovered. You may go home with your Hickman line in place. If so, you'll receive advice on keeping your line clean and dry, and you'll need a weekly appointment to change your dressing and to flush the line. Y

our nurse or consultant can administer medication through up to three lumens, small tubes within the line. The line can be removed during a minor procedure after completing your treatment. Contact your consultant immediately if you have any swelling, leakage or inflamed skin around the line, or if you develop a fever.