[Tunnelized double femoral catheters. A technique for vascular access in hemodialysis].

OBJECTIVES

Temporary vascular access for haemodialysis is an everyday problem in a dialysis unit. We used the double catheter method developed for the internal jugular vein to catheterize the femoral vein in patients in which the jugular route could not be used.

METHODS

A double catheter was inserted via percutaneous, bedside, punction into the femoral vein in 12 patients under local anaesthesia. The exit point was located near the middle of the thigh.

RESULTS

Mean implantation time was 45 minutes. The inferior vena cava was the ideal site for the distal tip of the catheters. Mean duration of utilisation was 41 days (range 6-118) and allowed a mean of 28 haemodialysis sessions (range 4-49). Echo-Doppler examinations after withdrawal did not reveal any thrombosis of the femoral, iliac or vena cava.

CONCLUSIONS

When the jugular route is difficult or contraindicated, double femoral catheterism is a useful alternative vascular access for haemodialysis.