Application of long-term deep vein catheterization in patients receiving hemodialysis

Objective To evaluate the effects of long-term deep vein catheterization as permanent hemodialysis access. Methods Catheterization was performed in patients by the standard seldinger technique,that a guidewire was inserted into a deep central vein,following by the insertion of the cuffed catheter through a peel-away sheath. The duration and various outcomes of catheterization were evaluated.Results Among the 30 patients with long-term deep vein catheterization,catheters in 28 patients were inserted through internal jugular veins and 2 patients through femoral veins. The average duration of catheterization was 7.5 months,the longest duration in a patient was 35.5 months. Catheterization was terminated in 5 patients,within who two due to uncontrollable infections,and two patients pulled outthe catheter by himself due to emotional restlessness. The remaining 25 patients were still under catheterization by the end of the study. Conclusions Long-term deep vein catheterization has long effective duration and low rate of embolism and infection. It can meet the relative needs for hemodialysis,therefore it should be extensively applied as a hemodialysis access.