Insertion of permanent hemodialysis catheters through the great saphenous vein.

Introduction: In patients with end stage renal disease when there is inability for the creation of a direct arterio-venous fistula or by using a graft, the insertion of a permanent hemodialysis catheter in a central vein ensures the conduction of hemodialysis. We present a technique of placing a permanent catheter in the inferior vena cava through the great saphenous vein without the use of a guide wire.

Patients-methods: Over the study period, 12 hemodialyzed patients, with a mean age of 73 years, were referred for placement of a dialysis catheter through the great saphenous veins.

The incorrect placement of hemodialysis catheters in veins. The necessity for urgent x-ray evaluation for its position.

We describe a 56-year-old woman with end stage renal failure, who has an unusual complication in relation to catheter placement. She started hemodialysis in 1992 and until October of 1996 had many arteriovenous fistulas in her upper arms and we placed a lot of grafts. Because she had no vascular access for hemodialysis, we decided to place a polyurethane catheter in the left internal jugular vein.