title: A prospective study of complications in Hickman right-atrial catheters in marrow transplant patients.
abstract: One hundred forty-three large bore right-atrial catheters (RACs) in 111 bone marrow transplant recipients were prospectively analyzed for the incidence of complications interfering with catheter function. Of the 143 RACs, 108 (76%) were patent on departure from Seattle or death. Infectious complications occurred in 63 (44%) of the catheters, resulting in 18 (13%) removals. Noninfectious complications occurred with 54 (38%) of the catheters, resulting in 17 (12%) removals. Successful interventions included catheter repair, dissolving precipitates with ammonium chloride solution, and declotting catheter lumens with heparin and/or urokinase. We conclude that RACs continue to be reliable and safe devices to use in marrow transplant patients. Complications interfering with catheter function are frequent; however, most can be resolved without the need to remove the catheter.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98104.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ulz
authors.forename: F B
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Petersen
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ford
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Blakely
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Grimm
authors.forename: R O
authors.initials: RO
authors.lastname: Hickman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D004868:Equipment Failure; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005260:Female; D006325:Heart Atria; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018805:Sepsis / Q000209:etiology