A type of catheter that is surgically implanted, with one end leading into a large vein in the chest, and the other end remaining outside the chest.
a long, narrow tube that lies inside your chest wall
a long-term central venous access catheter inserted via the subclavian or jugular vein, which is then used for the infusion of chemotherapy and to take blood over the weeks or months of treatment
a tube that is placed through the chest or side and into one of the big veins leading to the heart
A narrow plastic tube which is inserted, under anaesthetic, into a major blood vessel in the chest. It is used for patients undergoing intensive therapy and provides a route for taking blood samples and administering drugs without repeated needle puncture of a vein.
A common type of central line. If you are going to have chemotherapy, you may be given your drugs through a line. A long, thin plastic tube is put into a vein in the chest, and is left in place throughout the treatment. Every time you then have chemotherapy your nurse gives you the drugs through the line. See chemotherapy section.
A thin plastic line which is inserted into a central vein under anaesthetic and which gives access for chemotherapy and taking blood samples without the need to keep using needles. It is held in place by a stitch and needs to be flushed regularly to prevent blockages. The line is taped in place with an occlusive dressing and you can wash and shower normally, although you will be advised not to swim.
A special tube inserted under anaesthetic through the chest into a large vein, so that chemotherapy drugs can be fed directly into the bloodstream. It can stay in place for months and means that needles do not have to be used during treatment.
A flexible tube about 0.5 cm in diameter. It is inserted, under general anaesthetic, into one of the large veins in the chest and brought out above the breast. The line is used to administer chemotherapy, antibiotics and transfusions of blood and platelets.
A Hickman line is an intravenous catheter used for the administration of chemotherapy or other medications. Hickman lines may remain in place for extended periods and are used when long-term intravenous access is needed.