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A Hickman catheter is a small, soft tube inserted in your neck or chest with several channels (called lumens) on the ends. Several inches of the catheter are outside your skin. A Hickman catheter is used for taking and giving blood, and giving medicines that need a larger vein (such as chemotherapy), and other fluids. Patients who receive stem cell transplants often have a Hickman catheter.
Your Hickman catheter, at the place where it extends out of your skin, is covered by a clear bandage called a "dressing." This dressing is sterile and needs to be changed once a week. If your dressing becomes wet, change it immediately. For this procedure you need to wear gloves.
See additional information and instructions on caring for your Hickman catheter.
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