TECHNOLOGY AND CLINICAL-APPLICATION OF LARGE-BORE AND IMPLANTABLE CATHETERS

The access of choice for patients receiving regular dialysis therapy remains the surgically created arteriovenous fistula. In a number of such patients as well as those requiring treatment for acute renal failure, plasma-pheresis or hemoperfusion alternative techniques of access are used. Of the techniques used subclavian and femoral catheterization are preferred for short-term vascular access while in patients requiring long term vascular access the use of a surgically inserted central venous line is favoured. The technology performance and clinical aspects of the use of large bore and implantable catheters are reviewed.