Internal Jugular Vein Cannulation with Two Silicone Rubber Catheters: A New and Safe Temporary Vascular Access for Hemodialysis. Thirty Months' Experience

Abstract

Temporary and immediately usable vascular access is a vital need in treating uremic patients. Subclavian vein cannulation, although a major progress, has been associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Accordingly, for the last 2.5 years the authors have been developing an alternative technique consisting of internal jugular vein cannulation (IJVC) with two silicone rubber catheters with a long‐term, proved biocompatibility. One hundred sixty‐five pairs of cannulas were inserted in 153 patients. Mean duration of use was 57 days (1 day to 17 months). More than 3,000 high‐performance hemodialysis sessions were performed. IJVC handling and care were easily managed by nurses. A low incidence of complications was observed: two thrombosis episodes, four skin infections with three septicemia, one air embolism, and one anaphylactoid reaction. No death was related to the technique itself. IJVC offers a new, safe, and reliable temporary vascular access immediately usable for all kinds of extracorporeal treatment.