Tunneled catheters in dialysis — great blessing or necessary evil?

Abstract

The number of patients undergoing renal replacement therapy is constantly growing. Of these, about 70% are patients treated by hemodialysis. Effective hemodialysis is not possible without efficient vascular access. Although arteriovenous fistula is widely recognized as the best of its kind, its formation in many cases is difficult or even not possible. Due to the growing popularity of tunneled catheters it is important to be aware of the advantages and risks associated with their use. The following paper presents issues related to tunneled hemodialysis catheters, their construction, methods/rules of insertion and care, as well as possible complications associated with their long-term use.