Femoral and iliac vein stenoses after prolonged femoral vein catheter insertion.

Background/aims: Catheterization of the femoral vein is a safe and recommended method of temporary access for haemodialysis. In some patients, however, because of the lack of other possibilities, it is necessary to maintain long-term femoral cannulation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of stenosis after prolonged femoral cannulation.

Methods: The 24 patients incorporated in the study were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 10 end-stage kidney failure patients (four females and six males, aged 32-75 years, average 55.6+/-13.6 years) in whom femoral catheters were maintained for less than 2 weeks (5-14 days, average 9.3+/-3.6 days). Group 2 included 14 chronic haemodialysis patients (six females and eight males aged 23-65 years, average 49.5+/-13.27 years). The time of catheter maintenance ranged from 2 to 16 weeks (average 6.4+/-4.2 weeks). Femoral and iliac vein status was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging.

Results: A feature of venous stenosis of both the femoral and iliac veins was disclosed in four patients in whom femoral cannulation lasted more than 4 weeks. There were no stenoses in group 1.

Conclusion: Long-term femoral cannulation for more than 4 weeks may be associated with a significant risk of stenosis in the femoral and/or external iliac veins.