Use of the Hickman catheter for the treatment of lower extremity infections.

The authors discuss the use of a cuffed, Silastic catheter, which can be of great value in the reduction of morbidity when dealing with lower extremity infections. When a patient's condition demands the use of long-term antibiotic and/or aminoglyoside therapy, this indwelling central venous catheter can allow easy access to the vascular system and markedly decrease the amount of time the patient has to stay in the hospital. This form of therapy involves the patient in the treatment and displays no mortality and minimal morbidity associated with catheter placement and care.