All You Need To Know About Hickman Line And Its Protection
A hickman line, also known as the central line, CVC or Groshong line, is a narrow tube that is put into a vein in the chest for your antibiotics to directly be given into the bloodstream. The line is inserted into the body through a vein in the neck or from the top of the chest. The tip of the line lies in a big vein which is near the heart. It is inserted in the form of a tunnel which out on the chest or shoulder. There is also a cuff on the open end to help the surrounding tissue to attach and secure the line. Both tunnel and cuff help prevent infection in or around the hickman line.Â
This central line needs to be protected well at all costs. If it does get damaged by any chance, there is a chance that it will not work the way it is supposed to and also that it may give rise to infection. Here are a few things to remember to protect your line well.Â
Prevent infection from all sources. Do not touch the catheter or dressing until and unless you really need to. If you have to touch it, make sure your hands are clean and dry before and after you make any contact with the hickman line. Proper hand hygiene must be followed by you caregivers, family members and friends too.
Keep the hickman line dry at all costs. Do not do any activities such as swimming, use a hot tub or even take a bath while you have the central line on your body. Ask your doctor and use a hickman line waterproof cover and then only bathe. If in any case, any part of the line does get wet, do not try to change it on your own unless you have been taught to do so. Call your healthcare team right away.
If the catheter happens to stick out of your skin or you notice any other problems such as cracks or leaks, you must call your healthcare team right away to get the proper treatment!