A New Procedure for Guidewire Exchange of Tunneled Hemodialysis Catheters in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: A Pilot Study.

Introduction: Different techniques of guidewire exchange of tunneled catheters for hemodialysis (HD) have been reported. This study was carried out to assess the feasibility of a new procedure in chronic HD patients who needed catheter exchange because of mechanical dysfunction.

Methods: The guidewire exchange method was based on the creation of a new exit site and a new subcutaneous tunnel while using the same venous insertion site.