The Demers atrial catheter: experience with a single-lumen silicone catheter as short- and long-term access for...

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Vascular Access
• Medical Devices

Background:

• The Demers catheter is a silicone atrial catheter with a dacron cuff.
• It is utilized for both short-term and long-term hemodialysis access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To retrospectively analyze the outcomes of Demers catheter implantations.
• To evaluate the efficacy and complication rates of the Demers catheter for hemodialysis access.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 404 Demers catheter implantations in 316 patients.
• Data collected from January 1, 1987, to May 31, 1991.
• Categorization of use into short-term (< 91 days) and long-term (> 90 days).

Main Results:

• Median catheter lifespan was 87 days overall.
• For long-term use, median lifespan was 150 days per catheter and 220 days per patient.
• Catheter malfunction occurred every 876 days; 20% of catheters were explanted due to complications (42 malfunction, 22 infection).

Conclusions:

• The Demers catheter serves as a viable option for hemodialysis access.
• Complication rates, including malfunction and infection, necessitate careful monitoring and management.
• Further research may explore strategies to mitigate these complications for improved patient outcomes.