| Theme | Blood Access for Chronic Hemodialysis Therapy -- The Present Problems and New Developments | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Tunneled cuffed catheter | |
| Publish Date | 2000/07 | |
| Author | Ichiro Koyama | Tokyo Women's Medical University, Kidney Center, The 3'rd Department of Surgery |
| Author | Hiroaki Haruguchi | Tokyo Women's Medical University, Kidney Center, The 3'rd Department of Surgery |
| [ Summary ] | In recent years tunneled, cuffed catheters have been developed for use as vascular access devices. These devices are particularly useful in patients where other vascular access sites have been exhausted or who have severe cardiovascular disease. The use of tunnel and a bonded cuff serve to anchor the dialysis catheter in the tunnel, and presumably, prevent migration of bacteria down the outer surface of the catheter. The soft material allows the placement of the catheter with its tip in the right atrium. Complications, however, both in terms of anatomic, thrombotic, and infectious issues, have emerged as a major problem with their continued use. It is expected that the long-term catheter will attain important place in the future of this treatment. The material, the shape and the style of management of catheters should be studied further. |
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