Prolonged multipurpose venous access in burned patients: three years' experience with Hickman right atrial catheters

We report the results of 3 years' experience with Hickman right atrial catheters in patients with 30-90% (mean, 52%) body surface burns. The catheters were used as multipurpose lines, including the administration of intravenous nutrition. The strict management protocol that was used is described: 76 catheters were inserted in 66 patients for a total of 9.5 patient years. Four patients had their catheters replaced because of fever but cultures were negative. Three patients had septicemia, from which two died. These results are similar to those reported following the use of rotating peripheral cannulae for fluid replacement only. However, Hickman right atrial catheters provide many nursing and patient advantages and are recommended to provide venous access for intravenous nutrition to patients with major burns.