[Dysfunctioning of central venous catheters: role of the radiologist]

Malfunctioning long-term central vein catheters are related to malposition, obstruction, mechanical problems and occlusion of the catheters. The diagnosis and the management of these disorders are based upon chest film examination, catheter or venous enhancement with contrast media. Vascular interventional radiology plays a major role in low invasive management of malfunctioning central vein catheters in hemodialysed patients: transfemoral malpositioned catheter manipulations, fibrin sleeve stripping, infusion of urokinase.