The use of a channel-cleaning brush for malfunctioning Tenckhoff catheters.

BACKGROUND

Tenckhoff catheter malfunction causes morbidity in some patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Various methods of treatment of malfunction have been described; we report our experience of the use of a channel-cleaning brush for this problem.

METHOD

Ten patients on CAPD who developed catheter malfunction were identified. The causes of malfunction were catheter migration in one patient, catheter obstruction due to fibrin and clots in six, probable omental wrapping in one, and pain on draining of PD fluid in two patients. A channel-cleaning brush was manipulated repeatedly in and out of the catheters using aseptic technique and fluoroscopy guidance in an attempt to restore patency or dislodge the catheter to another site.

RESULTS

CAPD was successfully re-established after this procedure in eight patients (80%), two catheters were removed from those patients in whom the use of the brush was unsuccessful.

CONCLUSION

In this study a channel-cleaning brush was effective and safe in the treatment of Tenckhoff catheter malfunction.