Frequency of complications with prolonged femoral vein catheterization for hemodialysis access

Analysis of 120 cases of femoral vein catheterization for > or = 2 days for hemodialysis in 89 hospitalized patients was performed to determine the frequency of catheter-related complications including infection and venous thrombosis. The rate of clinically significant complications was < 3.5% and compared favorably with published complication rates of central vein catheters. We conclude that prolonged femoral vein catheterization for hemodialysis is associated with an acceptably low rate of complications when appropriate techniques for placement and catheter care are followed and should be considered a reasonable option for vascular access in hospitalized patients.