Duration of temporary catheter use for hemodialysis: an observational, prospective evaluation of renal units in Brazil.

Background: For chronic hemodialysis, the ideal permanent vascular access is the arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Temporary catheters should be reserved for acute dialysis needs. The AVF is associated with lower infection rates, better clinical results, and a higher quality of life and survival when compared to temporary catheters.