Exchange of poorly functioning tunneled permanent hemodialysis catheters

OBJECTIVE, The usefulness of exchanging poorly functioning tunneled permane nt modialysis catheters in patients with end-stage renal disease was evalua ted. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We retrospectively reviewed case histories of 51 con secutive patients who underwent 88 catheter exchanges because of poor flow rates. All hemodialysis catheters were initially placed by the radiology se rvice using image guidance. Catheter exchanges were performed through the e xisting subcutaneous tract over two stiff hydrophilic guidewires and withou t additional interventions such as fibrin sheath stripping or venoplasty. L ife table analysis was performed to evaluate catheter patency rates after i nitial placement (primary patency) and after multiple exchanges (secondary patency). RESULTS. The technical success rate for hemodialysis catheter exchange was 100%, Primary catheter patency was 42% at 60 days and 16% at 120 days. Seco ndary patency was 92% at 60 days and 82% at 120 days. The cumulative infect ion rate was 1.1 per 1000 catheter days, No complications from the procedur e occurred. CONCLUSION. Catheter exchange is an effective means of prolonging catheter patency in patients with end-stage renal disease and limited central venous access.