title: Complications of Hickman-Broviac catheters.
abstract: Although Hickman-Broviac catheters have improved the care of patients with leukemia and patients using catheters for hyperalimentation, they are associated with a substantial morbidity. We experienced a 34 per cent complication rate. Some of these complications may be relieved with new therapy (streptokinase) and some of the intraoperative problems can be prevented by a more careful technique. We believe the cephalic vein cutdown technique remains the procedure of choice. Due to the morbidity of placement, every attempt should be made to save a catheter, as in type 1 infections. Type 2 infections should be the major indication for removal of the catheters.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D007938:Leukemia / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total / Q000295:instrumentation; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior
chemical_list: D012826:Silicone Elastomers