Hickman lines or Portacaths are tubes that are put into your vein so blood samples can be taken and drugs and fluids can be given easily. This tube can stay in place for a long period of time and there is no need for repeated needle pricks with a Hickman Line. For a Portacath a needle is put in but can be left in place for up to a week while it is needed. The Hickman Line or Portacath is put in under a general anaesthetic . Intra' means into and 'venous' means veins, so intravenous means 'into the veins'.
Drugs given intravenously are often more effective as they are absorbed by the body quickly.
In Episode One of the Adventures of Captain Chemo, the entry into the host body is through the Hickman line.