The Use of Tunneled Cuffed Catheter(Permcath(R)) in ESRD Patients

Kang, Young Sun; Lee, So Young; Han, Sang Yup; Jo, Sang Kyung; Shin, Jin Ho; Cha, Dae Ryong; Kwon, Young Joo; Cho, Won Yong; Pyo, Heui Jung; Kim, Hyoung Kyu

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Mortality and morbidity of ESRD patients depend on a maintenance of vascular access for dialysis. Polyurethane teflon double lumen catheters have been used for a temporary vascular access for hemodialysis. But, their use has a high rate of complications and a limited duration. Recently developed tunneled cuffed catheter(Permcath(R)) have lesser complications and longer durability and it could be an alternative for double lumen polyurethan catheter. This study evaluated the usefulness and complications of a tunneled cuffed catheter as a long-term vascular access at the Korea University Medical Center.
METHODS
The study was done retrospectively through medical chart review and telephone interview to investigate age, sex, the absence or presence of diabetes mellitus, catheter performance, indications for a insertion, complications, causes of catheter removal. 101 catheters were inserted in 86 ESRD patients(80 jugular, 21 subclavian) from February, 1995 to August, 1999. The complication rates and it's association with diabetes mellitus and the location of catheter insertion were reviewed.
RESULTS
The mean age of patients was 58 years (49 men, 37 women). 35 patients were diabetics. The purpose of catheters insertion were : 1) waiting for the maturation of an arteriovenous fistula(46%), 2) no other available vascular access(31%), 3) after a removal or insertion of peritoneal dialysis catheters (15%), 4) waiting for the better vascular access operation(5%). Catheters were removed because of mechanical obstructions(8%), infections(12%), deaths of patients(16%). 51% of patients had catheter related complications. Local bleeding(70%) was the most common complication. Bacteremia and exit site infection rate were 30% and 14% respectively. The complication rates had no association with age, sex, the absence or presence of diabetes mellitus and the location of catheter insertion. However, a subcalvian catheter was more vulnerable to exit site infection than an internal jugular catheter.
CONCLUSIONS
A tunneled cuffed catheter is safer, and more durable than a polyurethane teflon double lumen catheter. It could be used for a short-term vascular access, or for a permanent vascular access in person otherwise with no other alternatives.