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.     

216例涤纶套深静脉留置导管应用回顾性分析

目的：探讨涤纶套深静脉留置导管血液透析的使用和退出原因。方法：分析置管方法与血流通畅情况,随访留置导管的使用和并发症,记录导管使用终点。结果：实施深静脉留置长期带涤纶套导管术216例,右颈内静脉置管209例,成功率96.8%,左侧颈内置管5例,2例经股静脉;导管使用期限：平均（15±13）个月,使用留置导管时间分别为：〉36月56例,〉24月75例,〉12月45例,〉6月25例,〈6个月15例（大部分在继续使用）,28例失访。观察导管使用终点105例,约占49.5%,导管退出时使用时间2～28月,平均（10±5）个月;退出原因：死亡52例,其余为感染拔管、血流不畅和肾移植。在导管使用终点,90.5%（95/105）的导管功能良好;导管透析充分性：151例患者的透析后尿素下降率平均70%,平均Kt/V达到1.45;与内瘘透析患者Kt/V=（1.51±0.30）比较,二者差异无统计学意义（P〈0.05）。左侧颈内静脉置管血流不畅发生率高;感染25例,治疗有效23例,无效拔管2例。结论：长期导管可以达到充分透析;长期导管使用人群主要是老年人、等待肾移植和多次内瘘失败者,良好的导管留置技术提高导管的有效使用,尽量采用右侧颈内静脉置管,良好的护理显著降低导管感染率。     

Subclavian Vein Hemodialysis Catheters: Advantages and Disadvantages

Abstract: The pros and cons of subclavian vein hemodialysis catheters are reviewed. The subclavian vein catheter offers rapid and adequate vascular access. Other advantages are preservation of patient mobility and the ease with which the dressing can be secured. In contrast, subclavian vein stenosis has recently been identified as an important long-term complication of subclavian vein catheters that seriously compromises the creation and long-term viability of later ipsilateral arteriovenous fistulas. For this reason, we recommend restricting use of the subclavian hemodialysis catheter for acute situations and preferential use of internal jugular catheters for more chronic approaches because they better preserve venous integrity.     

Temporary Vascular Access in British Hemodialysis Units

A questionnaire, designed to determine the current habits of British nephrologists regarding temporary vascular access for hemodialysis, was sent to 62 renal units. Forty-six (74%) completed questionnaires were returned. Cannulation of the subclavian vein with a single-lumen catheter is the most popular technique. There is only limited use of double- or dual-lumen catheters in the United Kingdom. Previously unreported fatal complications of subclavian hemodialysis catheters are described.     

Complications and Side Effects Associated with Large-Bore Catheters in the Subclavian and Internal Jugular Veins

Abstract: Since the introduction of large-bore catheters for acute hemodialysis 30 years ago, many problems with handling, material, and contamination of these catheters exist. Nevertheless, catheterization of the inferior and superior vena cava with a large-bore catheter has proved to be suitable as a rapid connection process for hemodialysis, hemofiltration, hemoperfusion, plasmapheresis, plasmaperfusion, among others. In a retrospective study with 2,741 large-bore catheters in 1,716 patients, the frequency of infections, thrombosis, bleeding, and other side effects was investigated. All complications and side effects are presented dependent on vascular access route. In total, the complication rate was 48.9% higher in subclavian puncture than in internal jugular puncture (24.8%). The highest complication rates for both vascular access routes were infections or septicemia; infections were observed in 19.5% of subclavian catheters versus 10% of internal jugular catheters.     

血液透析患者前臂动静脉内瘘的临床应用研究

目的:探讨前臂自体动静脉内瘘在血液透析中的临床应用.方法:对采用前臂腕部自体动静脉内瘘术建立血管通路的112例慢性肾衰竭血液透析患者,进行回顾性分析探讨,建立前臂内瘘的血管条件、手术方式、近远期通畅率、并发症及临床处理原则等.结果:112例患者中,111例手术成功建立血管内瘘,手术一次成功率99.1%(111/112).4周内内瘘栓堵者5例,内瘘初级通畅率94.6%(106/112).其中1例通过药物溶栓获得再通,4例通过原切口行内瘘重建获得再通,累计次级通畅率为99.1%(111/112).动静脉吻合口狭窄致血栓形成是内瘘闭塞最常见因素,感染居其次.内瘘使用后0.5年和1年通畅率分别为97.3%(109/112)和95.5%(107/112).结论:前臂腕部自体动静脉内瘘术制作简便,远期通畅率高,且最大限度地保留了上肢的血管储备,是血液透析血管通路的首选.良好的血管条件和熟练的血管吻合技术是保证内瘘成功和长期通畅的关键因素.     

Catheter‐related Infections via Temporary Vascular Access Catheters: A Randomized Prospective Study

Temporary vascular access catheters (VACs) are important devices used in acute blood purification therapies. The aim of this study was to determine whether a catheterization duration of 2 weeks increased the risk of nosocomial complications when compared with a 1‐week duration. Fifty‐six patients with 90 double lumen VACs were randomly chosen, and received either 1‐ or 2‐week catheterizations from operators experienced in the placement of such catheters at three sites such as the internal jugular, subclavian, or femoral vein. The characteristics of the VACs, including the sites, procedures, and lengths, were similar in both groups. No significant difference in the rate of catheter colonization was observed between the groups (14.6% vs 26.2%, P = 0.1371). No significant difference in the rate of catheter‐related bloodstream infections was observed between the groups (2.1% vs 4.8%, P = 0.5967). Two‐week indwelling did not increase the risk of infection compared with 1‐week indwelling at any of the sites in critically ill patients.     

超声稀释法在血液透析血管通路功能评价中的初步应用

目的：探讨超声稀释法在血液透析血管通路功能评估中的临床应用价值,并观察血管通路血流量与患者心输出量的相关性。方法：选择在我院血液净化中心透析龄为3～6月的维持性血液透析患者82例,病情稳定,已排除急性活动性疾病,均采用自体动静脉内瘘作为血管通路。使用Transonic HD02型血液透析监护仪对患者的血管通路进行检测,随访期为6个月,分别监测内瘘再循环率、内瘘通路血流量及心输出量等,并观察血管通路血流量与患者心输出量的相关性。结果：（1）观察0个月,内瘘血流量平均为（994.41±434.98）ml/min,心输出量平均为（6.38±3.14）L/min;随访6个月后复测相关指标,血液透析患者的血管通路血流量和心输出量均有所下降,内瘘血流量平均为（961.19±420.92）ml/min,心输出量平均为（6.12±4.17）L/min,但观察6个月与0个月比较,无统计学差异（P〉0.05）;4例（4.88%）患者出现再循环,均大于5%。（2）观察0个月,血管通路狭窄的发生率为9.76%;观察6个月后,血管通路狭窄的发生率为26.83%,二者比较,血管通路狭窄的发生率有统计学差异（P〈0.05）。（3）血管通路血流量与心输出量呈正相关（P〈0.05）,提示患者低心输出量可能导致血管通路血流量的下降。结论：超声稀释法操作简便、非创伤侵入性、安全实用,适用于血液透析患者血管通路的功能评估,可以前瞻性监测血管通路血流动力学意义上的狭窄,具有临床应用价值。     

Using Cuffed and Tunnelled Central Venous Catheters as Permanent Vascular Access for Hemodialysis: A Prospective Study

Background.?Adequate care of a hemodialysis patient requires constant attention to the need to maintain vascular access (VA) patency. VA complications are the main cause of hospitalization in hemodialysis patients. The native arteriovenous fistula (NAVF), synthetic arteriovenous grafts fistula (GAVF) and silastic cuffed central venous catheters (CVCs) are used for permanent vascular access (PVA). CVCs are primary the method of choice for temporary access. But using this access modality is increasing more and more for PVA in elderly hemodialysis patients and when other PVA is not possible. The primary aim of this study is to investigate survivals and complications of the CVCs used for long-term VA. Methods.?We prospectively looked at 92 CVCs (Medcomp Ash Split Cath, 14 FR × 28 cm (Little, M.A.; O'Riordan, A.; Lucey, B.; Farrell, M.; Lee, M.; Conlon, P.J.; Walshe, J.J. A prospective study of complications associated with cuffed, tunnelled hemodialysis catheters. Nephrol. Dial. Transplant. 2001, 16 (11), 2194–2200) with Dacron cuff) inserted in 85 (50 females, 35 males) chronic hemodialysis patients (the mean age: 56.6 ± 14.1 years) from 07 1999 to 01 2002. The overall survival and complications were followed up. Furthermore, the patients were evaluated for demographic and clinical characteristics. Data were analysed by chi-square, Wilcoxon rank and Kaplan–Meier survival tests. Results.?The median duration of CVC survival was 289 days (range: 10–720). Eleven (11.9%) CVCs were removed due to complications. In 79 (92.9%) patients, 1, in 5 (5.8%) patients, 2 and in 1 patient, 3 CVCs were inserted. Of the 85 patients, 56 have CVCs functioning. In addition, 27 (31.76%) patients have CVCs functioning for over 12 months, 17 (20%) patients have CVCs functioning for 6 months. The total incidence of CVC related infections was 0.82 episodes/1000 catheter days. Besides, thrombosis was occurred in 10 (10.8%) CVCs. The most frequent indications for CVC removal were patient death (69.4%), thrombosis (16.6%) and CVC-related infections (13.8%). Conclusions.?CVCs are primarily used for temporary access. But this study indicates that CVC may be a very useful alternative permanent vascular access for hemodialysis patients when other forms of vascular access are not available.     

锁骨下静脉置管在血液透析中应用分析

目的：探讨临时锁骨下静脉置管的安全性。方法：回顾分析1992年1月～2010年10月,经锁骨下静脉置管、进行血液透析之尿毒症患者的导管相关性并发症的发生率。结果：927例患者共行965次临时锁骨下静脉置管。一次置管成功率95.1%,换位后100%成功。导管留置共39860导管天,平均（45±12.57）d。发生急性并发症11例次,发生率1.14%。出口感染67例次,菌血症73例次,发生率各为1.68次及1.83次/1000导管天;无导管隧道感染;症状性深静脉梗阻42例次,发生率4.35%。结论：锁骨下静脉置管可替代颈内静脉作为血液透析临时通路,今后还需要大样本多中心临床对照研究来证实。     

Internal Jugular Vein Cannulation with Two Silicone Rubber Catheters: A New and Safe Temporary Vascular Access for Hemodialysis. Thirty Months'' Experience

Temporary and immediately usable vascular access is a vital need in treating uremic patients. Subclavian vein cannulation, although a major progress, has been associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Accordingly, for the last 2.5 years the authors have been developing an alternative technique consisting of internal jugular vein cannulation (IJVC) with two silicone rubber catheters with a long-term, proved biocompatibility. One hundred sixty-five pairs of cannulas were inserted in 153 patients. Mean duration of use was 57 days (1 day to 17 months). More than 3,000 high-performance hemodialysis sessions were performed. IJVC handling and care were easily managed by nurses. A low incidence of complications was observed: two thrombosis episodes, four skin infections with three septicemia, one air embolism, and one anaphylactoid reaction. No death was related to the technique itself. IJVC offers a new, safe, and reliable temporary vascular access immediately usable for all kinds of extracorporeal treatment.     

Totally Implantable Catheter System in the Dog

Four totally implantable catheter systems for arterial and venous access were implanted for a maximum of 17 months. Hematological and bacteriological tests were performed. The platelets remained normal. Occasionally observed bacteremias were successfully treated. The morphological and SEM results show that in comparison to the standard externalized catheter the totally implantable catheter system has a longer functional lifetime and less problems with sepsis while the well-being of the experimental animal is improved.     

Recirculation Measures with Urea and Mannitol During Hemodialysis

Abstract: A simple, accurate, and reproducible method of measuring recirculation in grafts during hemodialysis is essential for improving the efficiency of dialysis. In our studies, plasma samples for plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) were taken from the arterial line of the dialyzer at blood flows (A) of 200, 300, and 400 ml/min, preceded by a 5–min period of equilibration, and at 15 s and 2 min after turning the flow down to 100 ml/min (S), the latter serving as systemic samples. Recirculation was calculated as (S – A)/(S – V). Total blood flow (Q_b) through the grafts was measured by color Doppler ultrasound. We found a significant, inverse relationship between recirculation and total flow through the graft at dialyzer Q_b of 400 but not 300 or 200 ml/min. The magnitude and prevalence of recirculation was always greater when the 2 min sample was used as S compared to the 15 s sample and as dialyzer Q_b increased. As a qualitative, urea–independent measure of recirculation, we assayed the appearance of mannitol in the arterial line in blood drawn 15 s after initiating a mannitol push into the venous line. Blood obtained just prior to the mannitol push was used as the zero blank. Thirteen of 18 patients had a measurable, but low, level of mannitol, 5 did not, and 2 had inconsistent results in studies done on separate days. We conclude that the majority of patients receiving chronic hemodialysis have a low degree of recirculation and that methods relying on urea must be suspected of exaggerating the true degree of recirculation.     

Subclavian Stenosis: A Major Complication of Subclavian Dialysis Catheters

Subclavian catheterisation is frequently used for acute vascularaccess for haemodialysis and is thought to rarely result inlong-term clinical problems. Venography in 36 cases, however,revealed subclavian stenosis in 18 (50%), of whom five developedclinical problems. The incidence of subclavian-vein stenosiswas related to the duration of cathetensation (P <0.05).It may also be more common in black patients. Subclavian catheterisationis therefore not necessarily an ideal form of acute vascularaccess.     

Usefulness of Groshong Catheters for Central Venous Access via the External Jugular Vein

This study was designed to evaluate the usefulness of central venous access via the external jugular vein (EJV) employing Groshong catheters, and to compare the complications with those of conventional internal jugular venous catheterization. Central venous access was achieved by insertion of a single-lumen 4.0 Fr Groshong catheter via the EJV or internal jugular vein (IJV) with a single puncture. Complications associated with insertion and central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection (CVC-RBSI) were evaluated from the database. Two hundred and twenty-five patients received 400 catheters for a total period of 5377 catheter-days. Ninety-six patients underwent 201 internal jugular venous catheter (IJV-C) procedures for 2381 catheter-days, and 129 patients underwent 199 external jugular venous catheter (EJV-C) procedures for 2996 catheter-days. Use of EJV-C was associated with a longer catheter insertion length (p <. 01) and period (p <. 01), a larger number of operations (p <. 01), and more frequent use of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) (p <. 01) and less frequent use of chemotherapy (p <. 01) than for IJV-C. However, there were no significant differences (NS) in complications associated with insertion and CVC-RBSI between IJV-C and EJV-C. There were no significant differences such complications as malposition, oozing or hematoma formation of insertion site, arterial bleeding, nerve damage, pneumothorax, and phlebitis between IJV-C and EJV-C. Moreover, EJV-C was not associated with morbidities such as pneumothorax, arterial bleeding, and nerve damage. Thus the study concluded that EJV-C using Groshong catheters has no severe complications and has the same rates of CVC-RBSI as conventional IJV-C for central venous access.     

应用假性桡动脉瘤建立永久性血液透析通道

由专人用内瘘穿刺针直接在桡动脉上定点定向穿刺，使形成动脉瘤，以后在动脉瘤上穿刺进行血液透析，２５例患中，成功２１例，血流量可达２００－３５０ｍｌ／ｍｉｎ。迄今已进行５０１次透析，最长１例２０９次，未发生并发症。本方法是建立血管通道的一种新方法，其优点是不需手术，减轻患者的痉和经济负担；克服了其它方法制作的动静脉内、外瘘的缺点；可满足紧急血液透析的需要；穿刺简单易行，容易推广。     

Examining Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow catheter performance and cost in hemodialysis access

Background

The Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow (HeRO) vascular access device is a hybrid polytetrafluoroethylene graft-stent construct designed to address central venous occlusive disease. Although initial experience has demonstrated excellent mid-term patency rates, subsequent studies have led to external validity questions. The purpose of this study was to examine a single center experience with this vascular access device in challenging access cases with associated costs.

Methods

A retrospective study representing the authors' cumulative HeRO vascular access device experience was undertaken. The primary endpoint was graft failure or death, with secondary endpoints including secondary intervention rates and cost.

Results

Forty-one patients with 15,579 HeRO days and a mean of 12.7 ± 1.5 mo with the vascular access device were available for analysis. Secondary patency was 81.6% at 6 mo and 53.7% at 12 mo. The reintervention rate was 2.84 procedures per HeRO vascular access device year. Associated HeRO costs related to subsequent procedures were estimated at $34,713.63 per patient/y.

Conclusions

These data on the patency and primary outcome data diverge significantly from initial multicenter studies and represent a real-world application of this technology. It is costly to maintain patency. Use of HeRO vascular access devices should be judicious with outcome expectations reduced.     

Balloon Dilatation for Removal of an Irretrievable Permanent Hemodialysis Catheter: The Safest Approach

Long‐term hemodialysis catheter dwell time in the central vein predisposes to fibrin sheath development, which subsequently causes catheter malfunction or occlusion. In very rare cases, the catheter can be overgrown with fibrin and rigidly connected with the vein or heart structures. This makes its removal almost impossible and dangerous because of the possibility of serious complications, namely vein and heart wall perforation, bleeding, or catheter abruption in deep tissues. We describe two cases in which standard retrieval of long‐term catheters was not possible. Balloon dilatation of catheter lumens was successfully used to increase the catheter diameter with simultaneous tearing of the fibrin sheath surrounding it. This allowed the catheter to be set free safely. Based on this experience, we present recent literature and our point of view.     

Homocysteine and Vascular Access Thrombosis in a Cohort of End‐Stage Renal Disease Patients

Background: Maintaining successful hemodialysis services is dependent upon an access to circulation that is reliable and stable. Complications of vascular access such as dysfunction, thrombosis, or infection are major causes of hospitalization with thrombosis being the most common reoccurring problem. Initial prospective evidence supports an independent association between total homocysteine (tHcy) levels and access thrombosis. The purpose of this study was to determine if significant associations exist between tHcy, age, gender, and vascular access thrombosis in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Subjects and Methods: One hundred eighty‐five (N = 185) patients undergoing dialysis were selected as subjects. The retrospective sample was divided into a one or less vascular access thrombosis (VAT) (VAT) group (n = 133) and more than one (VAT II) VAT group (n = 52). The data was collected during a 16‐month period (January 2000 to April 2002). Additional subgroup analyses included gender and age. Results: The Mann–Whitney U nonparametric t‐Test for variance between groups revealed no significant difference in tHcy values between VAT groups (U = 1841.50, p = 0.284). A two‐sample t‐Test for variance between tHcy and age revealed no significant differences (F‐ratio = 0.832, p = 0.32). A chi‐square analysis revealed no significant differences in gender and VAT groups (X² = 0.246, p = 0.62). A Kolmogorov–Smirnov test for normality was calculated for tHcy with a p‐value of 0.859 revealing insufficient evidence that the distribution is not normal. Spearman Rank Correlations were calculated, revealing low to moderate associations among variables. Conclusions: While some studies have demonstrated a relationship between tHcy and VAT, this study found that chronically high homocysteine levels in patients with ESRD were not associated with incidence of VAT. There were no significant differences in the number of VATs across additional variables of age and gender.