[Three-and-a-half years' experience with hemodialysis using 37 Permcaths without infection or definitive thrombosis]

34 patients had 37 Quinton Permcath (PKT), surgically implanted in jugular vein (internal: 29, or external: 8). The first 20 were used for a temporary vascular access (mean: 21 weeks). Then, the next 17 were used for permanent vascular access. 8 could be used for more than 1 year and 2 for more than two years. Anti-aggregant (29 cases) or anticoagulant treatment (8 cases) were systematically prescribed. 6 patients died for unrelated causes (mean delay: 35 weeks). 3 catheters were mispositioned. 2 catheters had to be removed because they were damaged (mean 53 and 69 weeks). Complications were: vein thrombosis (internal jugular vein): 2 cases, vein stenosis (inominate vein): 1 case, heparin overdoses: 3 cases. A partial thrombosis of a single lumen was common but always easily cured by local thrombolysis. Nurses were strongly motivated and followed rigorous educations with help of video-movie. This could be why no infectious (local or generalised) complication was observed. Long-term Permcath dialysis is a precious tool for patient without any peripheral vascular access or in elderly and short-live expectancy.