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

The access of choice for patients receiving regular dialysis therapy r emains the surgically created arteriovenous fistula. In a number of su ch patients as well as those requiring treatment for acute renal failu re, plasma-pheresis or hemoperfusion alternative techniques of access are used. Of the techniques used subclavian and femoral catheterizatio n are preferred for short-term vascular access while in patients requi ring long term vascular access the use of a surgically inserted centra l venous line is favoured. The technology performance and clinical asp ects of the use of large bore and implantable catheters are reviewed.