Use of permanent dual lumen catheters for long-term haemodialysis.
Permanent dual lumen catheters (PDLC) provide alternative vascular access in patients considered unsuitable for arteriovenous fistula, arteriovenous graft or peritoneal dialysis. Experience with their use for long-term haemodialysis is presented. Between January 1990 and April 1994, 101 catheters were inserted into 63 patients (median age 62 years). A PDLC was the primary vascular access type in 5 patients. Of the first catheters, 70% were inserted percutaneously into the subclavian vein. The median duration of catheter use was 168 days (range 5-1582 days). The overall cumulative observed catheter survival rate was 94% at 6 months, 89% at 1 year and 75% at 4 years following insertion. The major complications were blockage and catheter related infection occurring in 28% and 15% of catheters, respectively. Death and blockage were the commonest reasons for catheter removal. PDLC play a vital role in the provision of access for long-term dialysis and should be considered the access type of choice in patients with limited life expectancy.
Department of Surgery, West Glasgow Hospitals University NHS Trust, Western Infirmary, UK. Jaakoh@aol.com
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Akoh
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000295:instrumentation*