TUNNELED JUGULAR-VEIN CATHETER IN HEMODIA LYSIS-PATIENTS - EXPERIENCEWITH 101 CASES IN ONE-CENTER

Since 1984, internal jugular vein cannulation (I.J.V.C.) is performed in our Center for ERDS patients. 202 catheters were implanted in 79 pa tients, Our population was divided in 2 groups: group I corresponding to a rescue procedure for the chronic vascular access failure, group I I corresponding to chronic implantation. Outcome analysis indicate the follows results: in both groups, the first I.J.V.C. withdrawal cause was a functionnal AV fistula. Infections were observed only on group I I. Thrombosis is not unfrequent requiring fibrinolytic drugs with a 54 FF per patient year additive cost. A special nurse training protocol is also required to reduce the thrombosis incidence. Accidental withdr awal occurred in 11 % cases of group II. This observation underline th e need of better fixation devices.