Inserting tunnelled hemodialysis catheters using elective guidewire exchange from nontunnelled catheters: is there a greater risk of infection when compared with new-site replacement?

The objective is to evaluate bacteremia outcomes and survival rates when using guidewire exchange to place tunnelled hemodialysis catheter (THDC) compared with a new-site replacement. Retrospectively, all patients were identified who received a THDC between January 1, 2000 and January 1, 2007. Any THDC having received antibiotic line locks or tunnel-to-tunnel exchange were excluded.