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Published on: July 20, 2022
Use of permanent dual lumen catheters for long-term haemodialysis
1Department of Surgery, West Glasgow Hospitals University NHS Trust, Western Infirmary, UK. Jaakoh@aol.com
Insights
Permanent dual lumen catheters (PDLC) offer crucial long-term hemodialysis access for patients unsuitable for other methods. These catheters demonstrate significant survival rates, though blockage and infection remain key complications.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Vascular Surgery
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Permanent dual lumen catheters (PDLC) serve as an alternative vascular access for patients ineligible for arteriovenous fistula, arteriovenous graft, or peritoneal dialysis.
- Long-term hemodialysis requires reliable vascular access, and PDLCs are increasingly utilized in specific patient populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the clinical experience and outcomes of using permanent dual lumen catheters for long-term hemodialysis.
- To evaluate the efficacy, complications, and survival rates associated with PDLCs in a cohort of patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 101 PDLC insertions in 63 patients between January 1990 and April 1994.
- Data collected included patient demographics, insertion site (predominantly subclavian vein), duration of use, complications, and reasons for removal.
Main Results:
- The median duration of catheter use was 168 days, with a range of 5-1582 days.
- Overall cumulative catheter survival rates were 94% at 6 months, 89% at 1 year, and 75% at 4 years.
- Major complications included blockage (28%) and catheter-related infection (15%); death and blockage were primary reasons for removal.
Conclusions:
- Permanent dual lumen catheters are vital for long-term dialysis access, particularly in patients with limited life expectancy.
- PDLCs demonstrate favorable survival rates and should be considered a primary access option in selected hemodialysis patients.
Abstract:
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.
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