Complications related to subclavian catheters for hemodialysis. Report and review

Personal experience with subclavian vein cannulations for hemodialysis are given, and the pertinent literature on the subject is reviewed. Two hundred subclavian dialysis catheters were placed in 148 patients who kept them in place for a total of 2,798 days. Immediate complications were two pneumothoraxes and two hemothoraxes due to subclavian artery puncture. Seventeen cases of bacteremia were related to subclavian catheter infections. In 1 case, a complication of sepsis was a vertebral osteomyelitis. Clinical evidences of subclavian vein thrombosis occurred in 5 cases. Life-threatening complications were met in 2 cases: 1 with pericardial tamponade due to right atrium perforation and 1 with mediastinal hematoma and right hemothorax due to superior vena cava perforation. Review of the literature indicates that pneumothoraxes and/or hemothoraxes occurred in 1.7% of the catheter insertions and that sepsis related to subclavian dialysis catheters occurred in 8.9% of the patients. As systematically investigated subclavian vein thrombosis involved at least 50% of the patients. Our 2 personal cases of life-threatening complications and 14 similar cases of the literature were analyzed: left subclavian catheters were associated with superior vena cava perforation with right hemothorax or mediastinal hematoma, while right subclavian catheters gave atrial perforation with pericardial tamponade. Death occurred in 3 of 16 cases, and emergency surgery was required in 5 of 16 cases. Taking into account all these complications, recommendations are made for the use of subclavian dialysis catheters.     

Central venous catheterization for parenteral nutrition.

To define the risks associated with central venous catheterization for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) 3291 patient days of this therapy, delivered by an established nutrition support team, were evaluated. One hundred and seventy-five catheters placed in 104 patients were reviewed over an 18 month period. Positive cultures were reported on 11 cannulae for a 6.4% incidence of colonization; five catheters (2.8%) were considered septic. Pleural or mediastinal complications of subclavian or internal jugular venipuncture occurred in eight patients (4.8%). Misdirection of the catheter tip occurred in 11.5% of insertions. Five patients (4.8%) had clinically apparent thrombosis in the superior vena cava, innominate and/or subclavian veins during hospitalization; four others had evidence of thrombosis at autopsy examination, giving an incidence of 8.7% in the entire series. No death directly resulted from the use of this therapy. Compliance with a rigid protocol by an experienced team can allow safe and effective use of central venous catheters and parenteral nutrition therapy.     

Persistent left-sided superior vena cava diagnosed after flow-directed pulmonary artery catheterization; report of a case]

We describe a case of persistent left-sided superior vena cava discovered after insertion of a pulmonary artery (PA) catheter. The diagnosis was suggested by chest X-ray after PA catheter placement and was subsequently confirmed by an echocardiograph. A 68-year-old man was admitted to our ICU because of septic shock induced by MRSA enterocolitis. In order to monitor the hemodynamic state of the patient, a PA catheter was inserted through the left subclavian vein after placement of a central venous and flexible double lumen catheters through the right internal jugular and subclavian veins, respectively. A chest X-ray showed the PA catheter passing along the left border of the heart. An echocardiograph showed the PA catheter passing through the coronary sinus into the pulmonary artery. Anesthesiologists and intensivists should be aware of the occurrence of left-sided superior vena cava in order not to mistake catheters placed in it as being in the arterial circulation or malpositioned outside of the venous circulation.     

Subclavian vein catheterisation for parenteral nutrition.

Two hundred and twenty-six central venous catheters were placed in 195 consecutive patients requiring central venous catheterisation for total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Of these 226 catheters, 198 were placed percutaneously into the subclavian vein by the infraclavicular route. In 99 consecutive subclavian catheter insertions, a 12G needle with introducing sheath was used to puncture the vein (Group 1). The Seldinger method of catheterisation was used in another 99 consecutive subclavian catheter insertions (Group 2), the vein being punctured with a 19G needle. Pneumothorax occurred on three occasions (3.0%) in Group 1 but did not occur in Group 2. However, there were two episodes of pleural extravasation in Group 2 (2.0%) which may have been due to guide wire perforation of a central vein; this complication did not occur in Group 1. Although the Seldinger technique of insertion should reduce the incidence of pneumothorax, care should be taken in passage of the guide wire.     

Sepsis from triple- vs single-lumen catheters during total parenteral nutrition in surgical or critically ill patients

We prospectively studied the infection rates for 59 triple-lumen (TLC) and 68 single-lumen (SLC) subclavian catheters during the administration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) to surgical or critically ill patients. A standard protocol was used for catheter insertion and maintenance. The infection control committee determined independently whether patients had catheter-related sepsis, an infected insertion site only, or no catheter infection. The TLCs had an increased incidence of catheter sepsis (19%) compared with the SLCs (3%). Low rates (5% for TLCs and 3% for SLCs) of infected catheter sites only indicated that the catheter care was comparable for both groups. The patients in the two groups were similar but not identical; those with TLCs appeared to be sicker and, therefore, at greater risk to develop catheter sepsis than patients with SLC. However, since TLCs were involved in six times more catheter sepsis than were SLCs, limiting the use of a subclavian catheter to giving TPN only and strict adherence to a TPN protocol are necessary to minimize the risk of catheter sepsis.     

Thrombus associated with central venous catheters in infants and children

From 1978 to 1987, 350 infants and children had silicone central catheters placed for long-term venous access. Real time echocardiography showed a catheter tip thrombus in 16 patients, including 12 premature infants and four children. Catheters had been in place for eight to 560 days. Thirteen patients were receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) at the time thrombus was identified, and one patient had received TPN 2 weeks previously. Indications for echocardiography included sepsis (7), respiratory insufficiency (6), evaluation of heart disease (3), and catheter malfunction (1); several patients had multiple indications. Treatment was individualized and included atriotomy (2), systemic heparin and thrombolytic agents with or without catheter removal (8), catheter removal only (3), and observation (3). Four of eight patients treated with thrombolysis had complete clot lysis and four had partial dissolution. Two patients managed expectantly had resolution of the thrombus. None of the patients suffered further complications or died as a result of the thrombus, but ten of the 16 died 1 to 12 weeks later from their underlying disease. Forty-seven asymptomatic patients were studied by echocardiography to assess the incidence of unsuspected right atrial thrombus. Their catheters had been in place for a mean of 200 days and only 11 had been used for TPN. None of these patients had identifiable thrombus at the catheter tip. The incidence of catheter tip thrombus, which is higher than previously suspected, is related to prematurity, TPN, and continuous catheter use, but not duration of catheterization. The incidence is low in asymptomatic patients. Treatment regimen must be individualized and this series reflects a trend toward more conservative management.     

Factors influencing function of temporary dialysis catheters

AIM: To determine risk factors for failure of temporary dialysis catheters, we prospectively studied the outcome of 178 non-tunneled dual lumen catheters placed in 126 consecutive patients requiring treatment of acute renal failure (ARF) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). METHODS: Internal jugular (IJ) or subclavian (SC) catheters were used in 122 instances and femoral catheters were employed in 56. RESULTS: IJ or SC catheters with tips in the right atrium or superior vena cava (n = 112) failed (defined as a blood flow < 250 ml/min) 17% of the time, compared with a 40% failure rate for catheters with more peripherally located tips (n = 10), p < 0.05, chi2 testing. In a multivariate analysis, use in ESRD and location peripheral to the SVC were risk factors for catheter failure. Use of one of three catheter brands was associated with a lower failure rate. Although mean venous pressures at 200 ml/min blood flow were higher in IJ or SC catheters that failed, the presence of a high venous pressure, number of catheter uses, IJ vs. SC placement, inpatient vs. outpatient status, and fresh venipuncture vs. placement over a guidewire passed through a previous catheter did not predict catheter malfunction. With femoral catheters, the only risk factor for failure was use in ESRD. CONCLUSION: Of the factors that can be influenced by placement technique, catheter tip location is most important. Whether one catheter brand is superior awaits further confirmation.     

Transthoracic cuffed hemodialysis catheters: a method for difficult hemodialysis access

BACKGROUND: Recurrent vascular access failure is a major cause of morbidity in patients receiving long-term hemodialysis. Central venous catheters are often necessary for dialysis, and easily accessed vessels (ie, the internal jugular vein and subclavian vein) frequently occlude because of repeated cannulation. When standard access sites occlude, unconventional access methods become necessary. We report a technique of placing hemodialysis catheters directly into the superior vena cava (SVC). METHODS: Between January 2002 and December 2004, 22 patients with documented bilateral jugular and subclavian vein occlusion underwent transthoracic SVC permanent catheter placement. Femoral vein access was obtained, and a sheath was placed. Under fluoroscopic guidance, a diagnostic catheter was then inserted into the SVC, and a venogram was obtained. By using the fluoroscopic image as a reference guide, supraclavicular access directly into the SVC was performed with lateral and anteroposterior views to better localize the SVC. Once venous blood was obtained, a hydrophilic wire was passed into the inferior vena cava. A 5F sheath was then placed, and, with the use of an exchange catheter, the wire was switched for a stiffer wire. The hemodialysis catheter was then placed in the standard fashion over this wire. RESULTS: In a 24-month period, 22 patients underwent transthoracic permanent catheter placement. All patients had the permanent catheters successfully inserted. Two major complications occurred. One patient experienced a pneumothorax, and another patient experienced a hemothorax. Both patients were successfully treated with chest tube decompression. All permanent catheters functioned immediately with a range of 1 to 7 months. CONCLUSIONS: Transthoracic permanent catheter placement is an appropriate alternative for patients in whom traditional venous access sites are no longer available.     

PERCUTANEOUS INSERTION OF LONG-TERM VENOUS ACCESS CATHETERS VIA THE EXTERNAL ILIAC VEIN

Long-term venous access using Hickman catheters and implantable subcutaneous ports is a well established technique. These devices have customarily been inserted via the internal jugular, subclavian or cephalic veins. On occasions, these routes may be unavailable. This article reviews the outcome of 53 prolonged venous access catheters (39 Hickmans and 14 catheters attached to implantable ports) inserted percutaneously via the external iliac vein into 37 patients over a period of 5.7 years. The indications for insertion were chemotherapy (40%), total parenteral nutrition (36%), intravenous antibiotics (13%), poor venous access (7%) and bone marrow transplantation (4%). The main reasons for use of the external iliac vein were thrombosis of the subclavian veins or superior vena cava and subclavian central line sepsis. The only complication of insertion was one inadvertent puncture of the external iliac artery. Twenty-seven catheters (51%) remained complication free and functioning for the time for which they were required. Four catheters (7%) are still functioning in situ having been present for 1–5 years. Sixteen catheters (30%) became infected, with a 17% incidence of septicaemia. Venous thrombosis was associated with three catheters (6%). Catheters remained in situ for a median period of 30 days (range 5–569 days). The authors conclude that long-term venous access using percutaneous external iliac vein insertion is a useful technique when other routes are unavailable, but there is a relatively high incidence of catheter-related sepsis.     

The Incidence of Subclavian Vein Stenosis Using Silicone Catheters for Hemodialysis

Abstract: Complications related to the use of silicone subclavian catheters for hemodialysis were prospectively studied in 21 consecutive patients with acute and chronic renal failure. Between July 1991 and December 1992, 34 double-lumen silicone catheters (Medcomp; 12 French; 20 or 24 cm) were inserted in 21 patients. The mean duration of catheterization was 20 days (range, 2–58 days). Venograms were performed in 16 patients (22 subclavian veins) within 6 months following removal of the catheter. Excluded from angiography were patients whose catheters had been in place less than 1 week or who underwent fewer than 3 dialysis sessions because of minor risk of stenosis. Patients who had ipsilateral repeated catheters were also excluded. Two angiographies showed subclavian vein stenosis, both occurring in the same patient. One showed 50% stenosis with collaterals; one showed 50% stenosis without collaterals. One other complication was a pneumothorax. Catheter thrombosis was observed in 3 patients; catheter sepsis did not occur. We conclude that use of silicone catheters for subclavian cannulation is safe and effective to provide temporary vascular access for acute hemodialysis. The incidence of subclavian vein stenosis is lower compared with polytetrafluoroethylene and polyurethane catheters.     

Microbial colonization of indwelling central venous catheters: statistical evaluation of potential contaminating factors.

A prospective study of 390 indwelling central venous catheters placed by way of the subclavian route identified bacteremia and tracheostomy as the only significant variables associated with the colonization of the catheters by pathogenic microorganisms. Catheter-related sepsis was likely in only 3 of 33 episodes of proved bacteremia. Detailed statistical analyses of other potential contaminating factors revealed no significant correlations.     

The significance of the material of vascular catheters in the development of thrombotic complications in cava catheterization

Based on 210 cases of putting polyurethane catheters through the subclavian vein the authors substantiate the significance of the catheter material for the development of the most frequent complications. In addition to the absence of clinically diagnosed thrombotic complications, the advantages of this material were confirmed in US investigation of tributaries of the vena cava superior in 27 patients with polyurethane cava catheters staying in the same position during 3 weeks. In all the patients there were no signs of a reaction of a central veins to the catheter.     

Long-term hyperalimentation in children through saphenous central venous catheterization

During a 3.5 year period, 151 Silastic central venous catheters were inserted into the inferior vena cava through the saphenous vein in 132 children younger than age 19 years at UCLA Hospital. The major indications for catheter insertion included inflammatory bowel disease, cancer or bone marrow transplantation, and short bowel syndrome. The 151 catheters were used for a total of 13,288 days of fluid administration (mean 88 days). Complications requiring removal of the catheter occurred in 31 patients, but there were no deaths attributable to complications from the catheters. The total incidence of complications was one per 225 days of catheter use, less than that occurring in catheters placed in the external jugular and cephalic veins in young children in our hospital. The ease of insertion, the low complication rate and the simplicity of patient management when catheters are placed into the vena cava through the saphenous vein appear to make this an optimal site for administering parenteral nutrition in infants and children.     

Complications of parenteral nutrition

All hospitalized patients except infants (a total of 1,647 patients) who received central venous TPN solutions at UCDMC from 1981 through 1985 were studied to determine the incidence of complications from the use of TPN. A complication was considered to have occurred if the patient experienced obvious morbidity, mortality, or both; an event known to be deleterious, despite a lack of demonstrable morbidity; or premature loss of the central venous catheter. Complications related to catheter placement occurred in 5.7 percent of patients, sepsis in 6.5 percent, mechanical complications in 9 percent, and metabolic complications in 7.7 percent. The incidence of induction of sepsis increased during 1984 to 1985 due to the introduction of multilumen central venous catheters. The most frequent catheter placement complications were hemorrhage and pneumothorax. Major venous thrombosis and nursing mishaps were the most common mechanical complications. Metabolic complications were infrequent and were generally not severe after adjustment of the protocol in late 1981. Four patients (0.2 percent) died from TPN-associated complications: a child on home TPN who underwent a catheter change and in whom hyperosmolar hyperglycemic coma developed, a patient with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in whom tension pneumothorax occurred, a patient who died from complications of subclavian artery laceration, and a patient who died from Candida septicemia. Complications of TPN are frequent and may be severe. Quality assurance mechanisms for identification of these complications are necessary and should form the basis for the establishment of appropriate protocols.     

Perforation der V. cava superior bei unerkannter Stenose Fallbericht einer letalen Komplikation einer zentralvenösen Katheterisierung

We report on a case of fatal perforation of the superior vena cava. The perforation occurred after catheterization of the left internal jugular vein with a hemodialysis catheter, due to an unrecognised stenosis of the superior vena cava. Vascular trauma induced by a previous, also left-sided, subclavian vein-hemodialysis catheter (in place for 14 days), seemed to be the most likely pathomechanism of the stenotic lesion. It should be emphasised that this is a frequent complication especially of left-sided dialysis catheters. In the case described a stenosis was complicated by a misdirected second hemodialysis catheter. Although being repositioned under fluoroscopic control via a guide wire, an extravasal placement occurred but was unrecognised. In order to rule out catheter misplacement, the position of every central venous catheter has to be controlled. Standard methods are either chest X-ray or right atrial electrocardiography. Additionally, confirmation of correct intravenous placement requires a combination of free venous backflow of all lumen and/or blood gas analysis or venous pressure monitoring. Only a combination of tests gives ample certainty as each test for itself has its pitfalls. After placement of hemodialysis catheters, in particular left-sided catheters, we demand chest X-ray in order to verify that the catheter runs parallel with the long axis of the superior vena cava. In doubtful cases the threshold for contrast-enhanced angiographic control of the catheter should be low. If a perforation by the catheter is suspected it should be ruled out by computed tomographic scanning or transesophageal echocardiography.     

Endovascular repair of an iatrogenic superior vena caval injury: a case report

We present the case of a patient with an iatrogenic injury to the superior vena cava during a central venous catheter placement. The vena cava was perforated when a left subclavian dialysis catheter was placed. The perforation in the right side of the vena cava occurred at the confluence of the innominate veins. This perforation was successfully repaired using a 10 mm Viabahn stent graft (W. L. Gore, Flagstaff, Ariz) delivered through a femoral approach. The stent graft was deployed as the dialysis catheter was removed. This case demonstrates the utility of stent graft repair of the superior vena cava in emergency situations.     

Management of a small bowel transplant with complicated central venous access in a patient with asymptomatic superior and inferior vena cava obstruction

During the past few years, small bowel transplantation (SBT) has become a realistic alternative for patients with irreversible intestinal failure who have or will develop severe complications from total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Transplantation can be associated with large fluid shifts and massive blood loss necessitating rapid infusions of large quantities of crystalloid and/or blood products. Invasive monitoring and large-bore venous access are necessary in order to manage these patients intraoperatively. Because patients with irreversible intestinal failure are often managed with total parenteral nutrition via a central venous catheter, thrombotic intraluminal obstruction of major vessels may develop over time. Additionally, this may lead to superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome as well as challenging problems with vascular access. We present a 34-year-old woman with a past medical history for long-standing Crohn's disease with multiple small bowel resections and short gut syndrome who presented for an SBT. The patient had a long history of TPN use, complicated by SVC syndrome and inferior vena cava (IVC) obstruction. She was presently asymptomatic from her SVC obstruction. Central venous access was obtained by an interventional radiologist. A 7-French double-lumen Hickman minicatheter was placed in the left femoral vein with the tip of the catheter positioned just distal to the IVC narrowing. A left radial 20-gauge arterial line was placed for hemodynamic monitoring and frequent blood sampling. The patient's left and right dorsal-saphenous veins were cannulated with 16-guage catheters and adequate flow was observed. Lower extremity pressure was measured via the Hickman catheter in the left femoral vein. A multiplane transesophageal echo was used to assess ventricular volume. The options and intraoperative management of such patients are discussed.     

Reduced catheter sepsis and prolonged catheter life using a tunnelled silicone rubber catheter for total parenteral nutrition

One hundred and five patients were given total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for an average of 15 days via centrally placed venous catheters. Thirty-seven polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and 80 silicone rubber catheters were used. All the silicone rubber and 8 of the PVC catheters were buried in a subcutaneous tunnel. When silicone rubber catheters were used, there was significantly less catheter sepsis (P much less than 0.01), catheter life was prolonged by 50 per cent and fewer catheter insertions per patient were necessary.     

Intravascular techniques for extraction of permanent pacemaker leads

Intravascular techniques were used to extract 226 leads from 124 patients. Indications for lead extraction were life-threatening septicemia (30%), complications of free-floating leads (2%), abandonment of pockets (40%), and replacement of malfunctioning leads (28%). Extraction tools included flexible, telescoping sheaths advanced over the lead to dilate scar tissue and apply countertraction, deflection catheters, and wire basket snares. Countertraction is defined as the direct force of traction on the lead countered by the circumference of an extraction sheath. One hundred sixty-four leads were extracted through the superior vena cava by advancing the sheaths over the lead to the myocardial wall. Most of these leads passed through the subclavian vein. An approach through the inferior vena cava was used for the remaining 62 leads. The countertraction sheaths were passed from the femoral vein into the right atrium. A maneuvering catheter and an extracting snare were placed inside the sheaths. The lead was positioned by the maneuvering catheter, entangled in the extracting snare, and the sheaths advanced over the snare and lead to the myocardium. An atriotomy by means of a limited surgical approach was required to free one lead. One infected lead broke 5 cm from the electrode and was removed through a median sternotomy, ventriculotomy, and retrograde extraction. All patients had unremarkable recoveries. Intravascular countertraction techniques proved to be a viable alternative, minimizing the risks and morbidity of lead removal.     

Direction of the J-tip of the guidewire, in seldinger technique, is a significant factor in misplacement of subclavian vein catheter: a randomized, controlled study

Misplacement of central venous catheters, predisposing to poor functioning including inability to aspirate blood, is common with the subclavian approach. In this prospective study we sought to determine whether the direction of the guidewire J-tip influenced the catheter tip placement during right subclavian catheterization. In this randomized, double-blind clinical study, we observed the placement of catheters via the right subclavian vein while keeping the J-tip directed either caudad in Group 1 (n=147) or cephalad in Group 2 (n=148) patients. The majority of catheters (97% and 57%) in Groups 1 and 2 respectively entered the superior vena cava/right atrium (P <0.05). The incidence of catheter misplacement into the ipsilateral internal jugular vein was 2% and 40% in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = <0.01). Subsequent experimental study confirmed that the direction of the J-tip was retained inside a model of vascular tubes and its tip led the guidewire into the tubing on the same side even at the acute angulation formed between tubings representing the subclavian, internal jugular, and superior vena cava junction complex. The authors conclude that the simple measure of keeping the guidewire J-tip directed caudad increased correct placement of central venous catheters towards the right atrium during right subclavian catheterization.