Percutaneous insertion of Hickman catheters while the patient is in bed: a simplification of the technique.

Central-venous long-term catheters are an important tool for patients undergoing anticancer chemotherapy. To circumvent dependence on the surgical department and their waiting lists, catheters were placed while the patient was in bed in the ward of a general oncology unit. A total of 84 single-lumen Hickman catheters were inserted with aseptic technique, percutaneously in this setting. The complication rate after the insertion was low, with only 1 case of pneumothorax (1.2%) and 7.1% of patients suffering arterial puncture. The placement of Hickman catheters while the patient is in bed is a safe procedure that can save hospitalization costs and permits the insertion at the optimum time in the care of the patient.