There were no major complications that prolonged hospitalization (eg, catheter-related sepsis or pneumothorax) in the PICC group compared with three such complications in the standard group. PICC lines can be used safely and effectively for TPN and are associated with an acceptable rate of complications.

TPN is administered into a vein, generally through a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line, but can also be administered through a central line or port-a-cath. Patients may be on TPN for many weeks or months until their issues resolve.

The Hickman Line was designed to make the administration (giving) of intravenous medication, blood products and other fluids easier. It also makes it easy to take blood samples for tests. It reduces the need for repeated injections for patients, such as yourself, who need treatment over a long period of time.

Historically, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) has been administered by the central venous route because of the rapid development of thrombophlebitis when TPN solutions are administered into peripheral veins. By avoiding central venous catheterization, TPN can be made safer.

For long term feeding, a Hickman or PICC line is usually inserted. These lines can remain in position for several months or years. The line is only to be used for the administration of your parenteral nutrition.

TPN is the medical abbreviation for Total Parenteral Nutrition and it provides patients with all or most calories and nutrients through solutions that contain a mixture of protein, carbohydrates, glucose, fat vitamins and minerals using vascular access devices like PICC lines.

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.

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. A PICC catheter is a small, soft tube inserted in your arm.

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is given through a vascular access device such as a Peripheral Intravenous line, Midline or most preferably a Central Line. Common central lines used for TPN infusion are, PICC lines, Hickman and Groshong catheters.

A Hickman line is a central venous catheter most often used for the administration of chemotherapy or other medications, as well as for the withdrawal of blood for analysis. Some types are used mainly for the purpose of apheresis or dialysis. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hickman_line

INDICATIONS OF A HICKMAN’S CATHETER. Hickman’s line is used in cases where the treatment continues over a couple of weeks. Few types are used specifically for plasmapheresis and apheresis. A route for taking blood samples frequently without puncturing the peripheral veins repeatedly.

The Hickman line is tunneled under the skin on the chest up to the venotomy at the base of the neck. The catheter is then cut to the desired length and inserted into the jugular vein and subsequently into the superior vena cava or the right atrium.

A small dressing is put over each of the sites (insertion and exit). Since the line adheres to the overlying skin, the hickman catheter removal is not easy. Once again after a local anesthetic is given and the area is numb, a small incision is given in the skin around the area of the line allowing to be released.