Tunneled cuffed hemodialysis catheters (THC) are developed as a means of short hemodialysis access while a more permanent form of access are maturing. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness, survival and complications of the THC used for long-term vascular access.
Methods: In a retrospective study we looked at 42 THC inserted between November 2000 and October 2003, in 40 elderly patients, with systemic disease or when other vascular access was not possible.
Results: Procedural complications occurred in 5 cases (11.9%), which included: local haemorrhage (3), hemothorax (1) and one fatal venous tear. 6 catheters (14.2%) were removed due to complications (non-function 3 and bacteraemia 3). The total incidence of THC related infections was 0.18 episodes/1,000 catheters-days. Patients were followed up for a mean 379 days (range 1-1,140) and a total of 15,946 catheter-days. Qb and KT/V achieved at one month were 278.3 +/- 34.1 ml/min and 1.48 +/- 0.27 respectively. At the end of the follow-up, 23 patients (54.7%) were alive with catheter functioning. One, three and twelve months survival was 90.4%, 73.1% and 59.5% respectively.
Conclusion: The THC may be a useful alternative permanent vascular access for hemodialysis patients when others vascular access are not possible.