重症急性胰腺炎病人中心静脉导管感染的特点

目的　分析重症急性胰腺炎 (SAP)病人中心静脉导管感染的特点。方法　回顾性分析1998年 1月至 2 0 0 2年 12月在肠外营养过程中发生中心静脉导管感染的SAP病人。结果　 189次中心静脉插管中有 5 1次导管尖端培养阳性 (2 6 9% ) ,共培养出致病菌 6 9株 ,其中革兰阴性菌 35株 ,占5 1% ;革兰阳性菌 2 8株 ,占 4 0 % ;真菌 6株 ,占 9%。多重导管感染 7例 ,占 13 7% ,多重导管感染病人的住院时间显著延长 [(2 8 9± 12 3)dvs (2 0 4± 10 6 )d ,P <0 0 5 ]。根据临床表现和药敏结果调整抗生素 ,5例加用抗真菌药物。治愈 4 8例 ,死亡 3例。结论　SAP病人中心静脉导管感染以革兰阴性菌最常见 ,需减少肠源性感染 ,合理使用预防性抗生素。     

肠瘘患者腔静脉导管感染的回顾性分析

目的了解肠瘘患者腔静脉导管感染的发生率、细菌菌谱及药敏情况。方法对1998年1月至2001年4月收治的使用腔静脉导管进行全肠外营养(TPN)的肠瘘患者进行回顾性分析。结果216例肠瘘患者,共进行了358次腔静脉置管,腔静脉导管尖端培养阳性的有88次(24.6%),腔静脉导管平均使用时间为(16.9±13.0)d。88次腔静脉导管感染的尖端共培养出95株细菌,其中革兰阴性菌54株,占56.8%;其次为革兰阳性菌35株,占36.8%;真菌6株,占6.4%。根据药物敏感试验结果及临床表现,有16例患者更换了抗生素,4例改用抗真菌药物,所有患者均治愈。结论对于肠瘘患者,腔静脉感染仍是实施静脉营养的主要并发症之一,革兰阴性细菌感染最常见。     

泌尿系统围手术期多重耐药菌感染的临床分析

目的分析围手术期泌尿系统多重耐药菌感染的尿细菌谱及其药物敏感实验结果,指导临床治疗。 方法回顾性分析我院自2013年1月至2016年12月154例患者围手术期清洁中段尿培养的多重耐药感染细菌谱和药物敏感实验结果报告。 结果154例多重耐药菌感染患者中革兰氏阴性菌有148例,占96.1%（148/154）,阴性菌中β-内酰胺酶（ESBLs）阳性145例,占97.97%（145/148）,阴性中大肠埃希菌127例,占第一位为82.47%（127/154）,其中ESBLs阳性125例,占98.43%（125/127）;革兰氏阳性菌有6例,其中屎肠球菌4例,溶血葡萄球菌2例。多重耐药菌在疾病分布中泌尿系结石占69.48%（107/154）,其次为泌尿系梗阻占21.43%（33/154）;人群分布中以中老年组最多,占80.52%（124/154）,青年组占15.58%（24/154）。对革兰氏阴性菌耐药率高的抗菌药分别是：羧苄西林、环丙沙星、头孢噻肟、复方新诺明,而敏感率较高的药物为：亚胺培南、阿米卡星、哌拉西林/他唑巴坦、呋喃妥因;革兰氏阳性菌敏感率高抗菌药为：亚胺培南、万古霉素,耐药率较高的药物为：羧苄西林、环丙沙星、头孢噻肟、复方新诺明、头孢他啶。 结论围手术期尿路多重耐药菌感染患者中以革兰氏阴性菌感染为主,其中又以大肠埃希菌最多,产生耐药性的主要原因为产生ESBLs。在进行经验性治疗时可选择对大肠埃希菌产ESBLs菌株敏感的抗菌药物进行治疗,并加强对抗菌药物使用的监测。     

中心静脉导管感染的前瞻性调查及护理对策

目的 探讨中心静脉置管的感染特点与防治措施.方法 时461例中心静脉置管患者进行监测,包括置管时间、地点、导管留置时间、置管医生、置管部位皮肤、导管的细菌培养结果等.结果 461例置管患者中发生导管相关性感染30例(6.5%),感染与患者年龄、置管医生操作技术、置管地点、导管留置时间、惠者疾病类型相关(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);感染的病原菌中革兰阴性菌9株,革兰阳性菌6株,真菌6株.结论 对患者进行中心静脉置管时,需保持置管环境的洁净,提高操作人员的操作技能,缩短置管留置时间,以预防中心静脉导管感染.     

中心静脉导管感染的前瞻性调查及护理对策

目的探讨中心静脉置管的感染特点与防治措施。方法对461例中心静脉置管患者进行监测,包括置管时间、地点、导管留置时间、置管医生、置管部位皮肤、导管的细菌培养结果等。结果461例置管患者中发生导管相关性感染30例（6.5%）,感染与患者年龄、置管医生操作技术、置管地点、导管留置时间、患者疾病类型相关（P〈0.05,P〈0.01）;感染的病原菌中革兰阴性菌9株,革兰阳性菌6株,真菌6株。结论对患者进行中心静脉置管时,需保持置管环境的洁净,提高操作人员的操作技能,缩短置管留置时间,以预防中心静脉导管感染。     

胆道术中胆汁细菌培养及药敏试验

目的　探讨胆道外科感染的常见病原微生物及其对 1 4种抗生素的敏感情况 ,为临床用药提供参考。方法　对近 3年来胆道手术中获取的胆汁标本进行培养和药敏实验。结果　 32 5例胆汁标本培养以革兰氏阴性菌为主 (占 84 .3% ) ,其中大肠艾希氏菌 4 7例 (占 2 0 .4 % ) ,肠杆菌属 38例(占 1 6 .5 % )最多见。对革兰氏阴性菌较为敏感的有丁胺卡那霉素、万古霉素、环丙沙星。菌必治和复达欣对革兰氏阳性、阴性菌均敏感。结论　胆道外科感染主要选用针对革兰氏阴性杆菌和厌氧菌的抗生素 ,严重感染时须用广谱抗生素 ,结合外科引流原则     

208例留置中心静脉导管患者的感染分析及对策

近期,我们对我院中心ICU 208例留置中心静脉导管感染的患者进行分析,现报告如下。1临床资料2005年1-12月期间我院中心ICU共进行中心静脉导管穿刺208例。其中单腔导管165例,多腔导管43例。留置时间1-33d,平均9．3d。发生中心静脉导管感染患者14例,其中呼吸系统疾病4例,大手术后3例,神经系统疾病3例,消化系统疾病2例,血液系统疾病1例,内分泌系统疾病1例。单腔导管感染8例,感染率4．85％,多腔导管感染6例,感染率13．95％。14例中心静脉导管感染共培养出8株病原菌,其中革兰阳性菌(以表皮葡萄球菌,洋葱伯克霍尔德菌,金黄色葡萄球菌为主)5株,革兰阴性菌(以大肠埃希菌为主)2株,白色念珠菌1株。分别对头孢吡肟、亚胺培南、丁胺卡那霉素,氟康唑等敏感。     

创伤后骨髓炎53例病原菌谱特点

目的分析创伤后骨髓炎患者的病原菌谱特点及其药物敏感性,指导临床预防和治疗。方法收集自2011-10—2016-07诊治的53例创伤后骨髓炎感染处分泌物及术中标本进行病原菌培养,阳性标本进一步完善病原菌鉴定及药敏试验。结果 53例病原菌培养结果阳性40例,阴性13例,阳性率75.47%。送检标本190个,阳性标本131个,标本阳性率68.95%。单种病原菌感染27例(67.50%),混合感染13例(32.50%)。培养出病原菌18种(共88株),革兰氏阴性菌45株(51.14%),革兰氏阳性菌42株(47.73%),真菌1株(1.14%)。药敏试验结果回报多重耐药菌(MDR)23株(26.14%),1株肺炎克雷伯菌存在超广谱β-内酰胺酶(ESBLs)耐药机制,耐甲氧西林金黄色葡萄球菌(MRSA)7株。结论创伤后骨髓炎患者以单一病原菌感染为主,检出病原菌中革兰氏阳性菌和革兰氏阴性菌数约各占一半,但MDR和耐药性均有所增加,应根据药敏试验结果合理选择抗菌药物。     

60例外科手术切口感染患者病原菌分布及耐药性特点分析

目的分析60例外科手术切口感染患者病原菌分布及耐药性特点。方法选择在2011年1月至2016年6月期间本院收治的手术病例3960例,术后有60例外科手术患者手术切口感染,取其切口分泌物分离出病原菌82株。采用K-B纸片扩散法进行病原菌的药敏试验,观察记录病原菌的耐药性。结果在分离的82株病原菌中,革兰氏阳性菌有52株,革兰氏阴性菌有27株,真菌3株;其所构成比分别为63.41%,32.93%,3.66%。革兰氏阳性菌是病原菌的主要构成部分,其中金黄色葡萄球菌为18株,表皮葡萄球菌13株,肠球菌属9株,链球菌10株,构成比分别为21.95%、15.85%、10.97%、12.16%;革兰氏阴性菌中铜绿假单孢菌11株,肺炎克雷伯菌8株,鲍曼不动杆菌7株,构成比分别为13.41%、9.76%、8.54%。通过分析革兰氏阳性菌对抗菌药物的耐药性,革兰氏阳性菌对氨苄西林、头孢唑林、庆大霉素及环丙沙星的耐药率较高(耐药率≥50.0%)。通过分析革兰氏阴性菌对抗菌药物的耐药性,革兰氏阴性菌对氨苄西林、苯唑西林及青霉素的耐药率较高(耐药率≥50.0%)。结论发生感染的主要病原菌革兰氏阳性菌,且对常用抗菌药物具有较强的耐药性,医院应该采用相应的综合干预措施,遏制细菌耐药性的增长趋势,预防和控制手术切口感染。     

肝胆胰腺手术患者手术切口感染病原菌分布与相关危险因素分析

目的分析肝胆胰腺手术患者手术部位感染病原菌情况及高危因素。方法回顾性分析2015年9月至2019年9月在本院肝胆外科接受手术的患者905例的临床资料。所纳入患者中发生病原菌感染例数42例,未发生感染者863例。将感染患者的病原微生物标本搜集并进行分析,性别、年龄、相关基础疾病情况等基本资料,手术时间、手术失血量、腹部手术史等围手术期情况,伤口类型和部位。结果所纳入感染病例42例中,共检出57株病原菌,其中包括革兰氏阴性菌40株(70.18%):包括大肠埃希菌15株(26.32%),铜绿假单胞菌11株(19.30%),肺炎克雷伯菌7株(12.28%),肠杆菌3株(5.26%),卡他(摩拉)菌4株(7.02%);革兰氏阳性菌17株(29.82%):金黄色葡萄球菌9株(15.79%),表皮葡萄球菌6株(10.53%),链球菌2株(3.51%)。纳入人群性别、是否合并高血压、手术失血量和手术部位比较,差异均无显著性(P0.05);而年龄、是否合并糖尿病、手术时间、腹部手术史和切口类型差异有显著性(P0.05)。结论肝胆胰腺手术部位感染病原菌主要是由大肠埃希菌和铜绿假单胞菌为代表的革兰氏阴性菌,而年龄、是否合并糖尿病、手术时间、腹部手术史和切口类型是促使其发生的独立危险因素。     

Infectious complications related to non-tunneled central venous catheters in immunocompromised patients: prospective study about 210 cases

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate infectious complications related to non-tunneled central venous catheter in immunocompromised patients, in a bone marrow unit. METHODS: From July to April 2002, we inserted 210 non-tunneled central venous catheters in 139 immunocompromised patients (52 F/87 M). The mean age was 26 years (3-56 years). Our study included 33 children aged from 3 to 15 years, on whom 46 catheters were placed. The catheters were placed for the following indications: 145 catheters were used in subjects who received a bone marrow transplantation, 58 catheters were placed in subjects who received chemotherapy for acute leukemia and seven catheters were used in patients who received immunosuppressive therapy. RESULTS: The mean duration of catheterization was 33 days (7-114 days). There were 3.1 catheter-related infections per 1000 catheter-days. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci were implicated in 64% of cases. We observed two pneumothorax (0.9%), one arterial puncture (0.4%) and two catheter-related thrombosis (0.9%). CONCLUSION: Non-tunneled catheters in immunocompromised patients (adults and children) is a safe technique, and is an alternative to the Hickman catheters which are most widely used today in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation.     

A prospective, randomized evaluation of the effect of silver impregnated subcutaneous cuffs for preventing tunneled chronic venous access catheter infections in cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to evaluate the effect of a silver-impregnated cuff on the incidence of catheter-related bacteremia/fungemia or tunnel tract infection in cancer patients with chronic dual-lumen tunneled venous access catheters. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Infection is a frequent and potentially life-threatening complication of tunneled chronic cuffed silastic central venous access catheters in cancer patients. Recent experience with antimicrobial silver-impregnated cuffs placed on nontunneled percutaneously inserted central venous catheters suggests that such a cuff may render the catheter less prone to infection. METHODS: The authors prospectively randomized 200 cancer patients to receive either a dual-lumen 10 French tunneled cuffed silastic central venous access catheter or the same catheter with a second more proximal subcutaneous silver-impregnated cuff. All patients then were followed prospectively for infectious morbidity until the device was removed or the patient died. RESULTS: The hazard rate for infection/day (95% confidence limits) was 0.0022 (0.0015 to 0.0030) for standard catheters compared with 0.0027 (0.0019 to 0.0037) for catheters with silver-impregnated cuffs (p = not significant). Regression analysis of infection-free interval of both catheter types shows no difference over the lifetime of catheter as well as the over the first 48 days after insertion. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicated no effect of a silver-impregnated cuff in decreasing the incidence of catheter-related bacteremias/fungemias, tunnel infections, or the spectrum of causative microorganisms involved in cancer patients with tunneled chronic venous access catheters.     

Central venous catheters as a vascular access modality for pediatric hemodialysis

Background The use of hemodialysis catheters is an essential component of dialysis practice. Children are particularly likely to require multiple courses of dialysis over their lifetime, hence the repeated need for vascular access. These catheters remain a significant source of morbidity and mortality. Methods All catheters inserted for hemodialysis at the Center of Pediatric Nephrology and Transplantation, Cairo University over a period of 40 months were studied. Patient data as well as data of catheter insertion, dwell, cause of removal and complications were reported. Results A total of 195 uncuffed central venous catheters were used for temporary access in 131 patients for a mean duration of 35.7 days. Of attempted insertions, 87.4% achieved successful access, of which 56% remained for the required period, 8.9% were accidentally dislodged, and 35.1% were removed due to complications—mostly infection. The overall rate of possible catheter-related bacteremia was 9.6 episodes/ 1,000 catheter days. Infection increased with longer catheter dwell. Nineteen cuffed tunneled catheters were surgically inserted and used for up to 11 months (mean 117 days). Loss of these catheters was attributed mainly to infection (ten episodes) and catheter thrombosis (six episodes). During the study, 317 femoral catheters were inserted. Conclusion Uncuffed central venous catheters are both needed and useful for short-term hemodialysis. Vascular access for extended durations may be provided by cuffed tunneled catheters. Infection is the major serious concern with both uncuffed and cuffed catheters.     

Bacterial colonization and peripheral bacteraemia associated with central venous haemodialysis catheters: A cross-sectional study

Summary: Septicaemia related to internal luminal colonization of central venous catheters has been described in many clinical settings including haemodialysis. the prevalence and consequence of intraluminal colonization of central venous haemodialysis catheters is unknown. A cross-sectional study of asymptomatic patients receiving haemodialysis through central venous catheters was performed. Differential (central line and peripheral) quantitative blood cultures were taken on three occasions. Twenty-one patients were studied and 20 had colonized central venous catheters. the organisms isolated were Coagulase negative Staphylococci (16 cases), Bacillus species (three), Corynebacterium (three), Pseudomonas species (three), and others (three). Fifteen patients also had significant peripheral bacteraemia associated with the same organism that was cultured from their central line. Seven patients had septic episodes associated with these same organisms. Swabs taken of the internal catheter surfaces also cultured these organisms. the vast majority (95%) of central venous haemodialysis catheters are colonized by bacteria. Seventy-six per cent have associated peripheral bacteraemia, which can lead to systemic infection.     

A clinical study of thrombus formation associated with central venous catheterization

Septic complication is one of the major problems associated with central venous catheterization. Thrombi produced around a catheter are regarded to a predisposing factor. However, few reports have focused on thrombus formation in clinical settings. We studied prospectively thrombus formation associated with central venous catheterization in 56 patients. Thrombus formation was identified in 39 cases (70%). In most cases, this thrombi formed around a catheter and were released into stream when the catheter was removed. However, complications attributable to the thrombi, such as pulmonary embolism were not observed. Then we tested four materials of catheters including vinylchloride, vinylchloride coated with heparine, polyurethane, and silicone to compare the incidence of thrombus formation. Thrombi were found regardless the catheter material when they were placed for more than 10 days. Cultures of blood, catheter tips and parts of catheters placed under the skin were performed to clarify the relation between thrombus formation and catheter-related sepsis. Positive culture was obtained only five cases but they were all associated with thrombus formation. These results suggest that central venous catheterization frequently results in thrombus formation, which would lead to catheter-related spesis.     

Conversion of temporary hemodialysis catheters to permanent hemodialysis catheters: a retrospective study of catheter exchange versus classic de novo placement

Many clinicians believe that de novo access is required when converting temporary hemodialysis (HD) catheters to long-term or permanent catheters. However, since vascular access sites are at a premium in the dialysis patient, it is important to preserve existing central venous catheters and conserve future access sites. In this retrospective study, data from 94 patients referred to interventional radiology for placement of long-term, tunneled HD catheters between July 2001 and September 2002 were reviewed. The study group consisted of 42 patients in whom the temporary catheter was exchanged for a peel-away sheath and a tunneled catheter inserted using the existing venous access site. The control group included 52 patients who received traditional de novo placement of permanent catheters. Based on available follow-up data, we report a 100% technical success rate, with 72% patency at 30 days in the study group (n = 32; mean age 58 years). By comparison, de novo catheter placement (n = 35; mean age 59 years) yielded a 100% technical success rate, with 83% patency at 30 days. The overall infection rate was 0.30 per 100 catheter-days (total 3036 catheter-days) and 0.36 per 100 catheter-days (total 3295 catheter-days), respectively (chi2 = 0.64, p > or = 0.05). There was no incidence of exit site infection, tunnel infection, or florid sepsis in either group. Likewise, no stenosis or bleeding complication was noted. Thus conversion of a temporary HD catheter to a tunneled catheter using the same venous insertion site is safe, does not increase the risk of infection, and allows conservation of other central venous access sites.     

Comparison of antimicrobial impregnation with tunneling of long-term central venous catheters: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the impact of antimicrobial impregnation to that of tunneling of long-term central venous catheters on the rates of catheter colonization and catheter-related bloodstream infection. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Tunneling of catheters constitutes a standard of care for preventing infections associated with long-term vascular access. Although antimicrobial coating of short-term central venous catheters has been demonstrated to protect against catheter-related bloodstream infection, the applicability of this preventive approach to long-term vascular access has not been established. METHODS: A prospective, randomized clinical trial in 7 university-affiliated hospitals of adult patients who required a vascular access for > or = 2 weeks. Patients were randomized to receive a silicone central venous catheter that was either impregnated with minocycline and rifampin or tunneled. The occurrence of catheter colonization and catheter-related bloodstream infection was determined. RESULTS: Of a total of 351 inserted catheters, 346 (186 antimicrobial-impregnated and 160 tunneled) were analyzed for catheter-related bloodstream infection. Clinical characteristics were comparable in the 2 study groups, but the antimicrobial-impregnated catheters remained in place for a shorter period of time (mean, 30.2 versus 43.8 days). Antimicrobial-impregnated catheters were as likely to be colonized as tunneled catheters (7.9 versus 6.3 per 1000 catheter-days). Bloodstream infection was 4 times less likely to originate from antimicrobial-impregnated than from tunneled catheters (0.36 versus 1.43 per 1000 catheter-days). CONCLUSIONS: Antimicrobial impregnation of long-term central venous catheters may help obviate the need for tunneling of catheters.     

Conversion of temporary hemodialysis catheters to tunneled hemodialysis catheters

PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility and clinical outcomes of conversion of temporary to tunneled hemodialysis catheters using the same venous insertion site. METHODS: Data from 42 patients with existing temporary hemodialysis catheters referred for placement of tunneled hemodialysis catheters were retrospectively reviewed. In these patients, the temporary catheter was exchanged for a peel-away sheath, and a tunneled catheter was inserted using the existing venous access site. Technical success, procedural complications, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Hemodialysis records were reviewed to assess catheter patency during a 30-day follow-up period. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 20 males and 22 females (mean age: 58 years). All 42 temporary catheters were successfully converted to tunneled hemodialysis catheters without immediate procedure-related complications. Follow-up data were available for 32 patients (total: 3038; median 71 catheter days). Nine catheters were removed for infection, yielding a catheter infection rate of 0.30/100 catheter days; three catheters were removed for blood flow <200 ml/min. 13 patients had catheters removed when catheters were no longer needed. Three patients died with working catheters. The patency rate was 72% at 30 days, with four catheters functioning at the end of the study period. CONCLUSION: Conversion of a temporary hemodialysis catheter to a tunneled hemodialysis catheter using the same venous insertion site is a safe procedure that avoids complications associated with venotomy and allows conservation of other central venous access sites. Patency and infection rates in these catheters are comparable to several studies of catheter exchange and de novo placement of tunneled hemodialysis catheters.     

Prospective nonrandomized trial of silver impregnated cuff central lines

Central venous lines were used to administer total parenteral nutrition at our institution. In an attempt to reduce line sepsis, silver impregnated cuff central lines (Hohn catheter) were adopted as standard of practice. Using a comprehensive morbidity and mortality database, 134 patients with Hohn catheters were compared to 252 patients who had polypropylene central line. The incidence of central line sepsis was increased with Hohn catheters to 23 of 134 (17.2%). This compared to 8 of 252 (3.2%) patients with polypropylene catheters (P < 0.0001). Also, an increased incidence of pulmonary embolism of 15 of 134 (11.2%) in patients with Hohn catheters was observed as compared to 2 of 252 (0.8%) with a polypropylene catheter (P < 0.0001). Insertion of Hohn catheters through the intrajugular vein was judged to be more difficult than polypropylene catheters. This may cause increased trauma to the vein resulting in a higher incidence of line infection and pulmonary embolism.     

Implantation of permanent jugular catheters in patients on regular dialysis treatment: ten years' experience

Dual-lumen cuffed central venous catheter proved an important alternative vascular access compared to conventional arteriovenous (Cimino-Brescia) shunt in a selected group of patients on regular dialysis treatment. Typically, these catheters are used as bridging access, until fistula or graft is ready for use, or as permanent access when an arteriovenous fistula or graft is not planned (NKF-DOQI). We conducted a prospective study on IJV permanent catheter insertion and its related earlier and long-term complications. From February 1991 to February 2001 we inserted in 124 patients in end stage renal disease 135 cuffed catheters (130 in the right IJV and 5 in the left IJV), 92 of which were Permcath, 27 Vascath, and 16 Ash-Split. We performed the insertion of catheters by puncturing the IJV under ultrasonographic guid-ance in the lower side of the Sedillot triangle and checking the accurate position of the tip by endocavitary electrocardiography (EC-ECG). The duration of catheter use was from 60 to 1460 days, mean 345 days. The actuarial survival rate at 1 year was 82%, at 2 years 56%, at 3 years 42% and at 4 years 20%. The exit site infection and septicemia rates were 5.2 and 2.86 per 1000 catheter days respectively. Catheter sepsis was implicated in the death of three patients, all of whom had multiple medical problems. Several episodes of thrombosis (6% of dialyses) occurred which required urokinase treatment, and catheter replacement in 12 patients (9.6%). In 3 cases the catheters were displaced and correct repositioning was performed. Two catheters (Ash-Split) were replaced due to accidental damage of the external portion of catheters (alcoholic disinfectant). Catheter tip embolism occurred on one occasion during elective catheter exchange over guide-wire. One of the common problems encountered with cuffed tunneled catheters is poor blood flow, most often secondary to the formation of a fibrin sheath around the lumen. Even if we conducted a non-randomized study, in our experience, the higher rate of malfunctioning catheters was in the group with no anticoagulation therapy. Therefore, we suggest anticoagulation treatment in all patients wearing central vascular catheters with no contraindication. Just one year ago, we followed NKF-DOQI clinical practice guidelines for vascular access that indicated that for patients who have a primary AV fistula maturing, but need im-mediate hemodialysis, tunneled cuffed catheters are the access of choice and the preferred insertion site is the right IJV. Considering recent reports of permanent central venous stenosis or occlusion after IJV can-nulation, currently, our first choice is femoral vein cannulation with smooth silicone rubber catheters, tunneled if long-term utilization is needed (more the 3-4 weeks). In our opinion, the right IJV puncture is to be avoided as much as the venipuncture of arm veins suitable for vascular access placement, particularly the cephalic vein of the non-dominant arm. Our data confirm that permanent venous catheters might rep-resent an effective long-term vascular access for chronic hemodialysis, particularly for older patients with cardiovascular disease and for cancer patients.