Dialysis catheter

Schematic representation of a double-lumen atrial catheter

Dialysis catheters are large-lumen venous catheters with one or two lumens that allow temporary or permanent access to the blood vessel system for blood washing ( dialysis ). There are also three-lumen catheters, the third lumen of which is rather small and can be used for infusions .

Shaldon catheter

The Shaldon catheter , named after the Scottish nephrologist Stanley Shaldon , is usually used for acute dialysis . Like a central venous catheter (CVC), the Shaldon catheter is usually introduced into the superior vena cava via the right internal jugular vein or the subclavian vein . Because of its shorter length, it does not come to lie in front of the right atrium, so that the central venous pressure, in contrast to the CVC, cannot be measured. The inguinal vein is also rarely chosen as an access route. This is more problematic from a hygienic point of view, to mobilize the patient and to increase the risk of thrombosis .

Atrial catheter according to Demers and Siebold

Longer periods of time until a functional dialysis shunt is installed can be bridged with a permanent central venous catheter, the Demers catheter named after its inventor . Permanent dialysis is also possible with this.

The Demers catheter is a sometimes single-lumen, but mostly double-lumen (drainage and supply lines take place in parallel), which is usually surgically implanted via the right external jugular vein or, more rarely, percutaneously via the right internal jugular vein via the Seldinger technique and up to is advanced into the right atrium . The outer part usually comes to rest in the pit under the collarbone . Here, the catheter is an inserted under the skin Dacron - sleeve out that amalgamate in connective tissue, thus ensuring a stable hold. This tunneling significantly reduces the risk of infection.

In addition to the original Demers catheter, there are now other permanent central venous catheters from other manufacturers, some of them with double lumen designs.

Handling and care

If the dialysis catheter is not used for hemodialysis , it is blocked with heparin or citrate solution . Because of the above problems, a high risk of infection and high blood loss if used improperly, these catheters must be specially monitored. They should not be used for blood draws or infusions .

Individual evidence

1. ↑ ^{a b c} Breuch, Servos: Dialysis for Beginners . 1st edition. Elsevier, Urban and Fisch, Munich / Jena 2006, ISBN 978-3-437-27790-0 , pp. 99 ( books.google.com ).
2. ^ C. Albrecht: OP manual . Ed .: M. Liehn. 4th edition. Springer, Heidelberg 2007, ISBN 978-3-540-72269-4 , pp. 290 f . ( books.google.com ).

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !