Outcome of tunneled hemodialysis catheters placed by radiologists.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the outcomes of hemodialysis catheters placed by interventional radiologists with those placed by surgeons.


METHODS
The outcomes were retrospectively analyzed of 237 hemodialysis catheters placed in 140 patients by a radiology service from January 1991 through December 1992. Follow-up data were available for 222 catheters (94%). Catheter secondary patency and freedom from infection were analyzed statistically and by means of life-table analysis.


RESULTS
Pneumothorax occurred after the placement of six catheters (2.5%); in two patients, a chest tube was required for decompression. Other short-term complications included air embolism with no clinical sequelae (two procedures) and prolonged oozing from the tunnel (two procedures). Long-term complications included infection and catheter failure. Infection occurred in 26 patients (18%) with 32 catheters (14%) and resulted in removal of 25 catheters. Ninety-three catheters (42%) failed, and 63 catheters (28%) were removed because of failure.


CONCLUSIONS
Hemodialysis catheters placed by radiologists do not have a higher rate of complications or failure than catheters placed by surgeons.
Lund
G B
GB
Russell Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
Trerotola
S O
SO
Scheel
P F
PF
Savader
S J
SJ
Mitchell
S E
SE
Venbrux
A C
AC
Osterman
F A
FA
D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D007601:Jugular Veins; D015993:Life Tables; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D015642:Radiology, Interventional; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D013350:Subclavian Vein; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D012826:Silicone Elastomers