Experience using the Quinton Permcath for haemodialysis in the Irish Republic

Background. The Quinton Permcath has been widely used for temporary vascular access in patients requiring haemodialysis. Placement under direct vision into the internal jugular vein minimizes the complication rate. This access modality is bring used more and more for long-term access in the elderly and in patients where other access modalities are unavailable or have failed. Methods. We reviewed the results of 50 central venous Permcaths inserted under direct vision in 61 patients, over a 4-year period. The overall survival and complication rates are estimated. A detailed description of the catheter insertion and removal is provided. Results. Seventy-six per cent of patients were successfully managed using the Permcath for a median duration of 105 days. In addition, nine patients (18%) had catheters functioning without complications for over 1 year. Twenty-six (42.6%) catheters were removed for complications. Seven patients had a single and two had second catheter reinsertion during the course of the study. Conclusions. The Quinton Permcath remains a reliable method for short-term vascular access. When other access modalities are unavailable, it may offer a valuable alternative for long-term haemodialysis.