A practical review of the kidney dialysis outcomes quality initiative (KDOQI) guidelines for hemodialysis catheters and their potential impact on patient care.

In North America, the creation of the arteriovenous fistula is the optimal form of access for patients on hemodialysis (HD). However, the majority of patients start HD with a hemodialysis catheter, and many continue to use a catheter 90 days after placement. Additionally, as the population of patients on HD grows older, the number of patients dependant on a catheter as their permanent mode of HD access increases. Although catheters are not the preferred choice for HD access, when they are used the proper care and treatment of these devices may decrease patient morbidity and mortality.