Abstract
This paper prospectively evaluates 33 dual lumen, right atrial catheters inserted into either an external or internal jugular vein by open operation in 29 patients, of whom 15 required haemodialysis and 14 required temporary plasma exchange. The median (range) catheter survival in the haemodialysis and plasma exchange groups was 108 days (7-334 days) and 61 days (10-116 days), respectively. Life table analysis demonstrated that overall catheter survival was 58% at 200 days. The main causes of catheter failure were infection (four cases), poor flow (three cases) and accidental removal (one case). Another nine catheters were removed electively because of maturation of alternative methods of vascular access (five cases), completion of plasma exchange treatment (three cases), or successful renal transplantation (one case). Long-term silastic catheters, inserted into the right atrium via a jugular vein, have distinct advantages over temporary subclavian vein catheters and external arteriovenous (AV) shunts; this form of access is the method of choice for haemodialysis and plasma exchange patients who require immediate and short- to medium-term vascular access.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
