[Complications in hemodialysis performed by catheterization of the subclavian vein]

Hemodialysis was performed in 349 cases on 35 patients with 50 special subclavian catheters. The catheters were inserted infraclavicularly with Seldinger's technique. The cannulation period was 26.6 (1-148) days and on the average 7 hemodialyses (1-63) were performed through 1 catheter. The aspects of subclavian catheterization, indication and complications are described. In 3 patients suffering from chronic uremia the end of the catheter (3-5 cm) in the subclavian vein was found broken after 1-5-6 weeks long "single-needle" dialysis. The broken end became fixed into the segmental artery of the lung and did not cause any complication during the long (6-14-33 months) observation period, thus its open or transluminal removal was not considered necessary. In the opinion of the authors the "single-needle" hemodialysis should be avoided to prevent similar complications. The use of the "two-needle" treatment or a catheter with double lumen is advisable.