Subclavian Stenosis: A Major Complication of Subclavian Dialysis Catheters

Abstract

Subclavian catheterisation is frequently used for acute vascular access for haemodialysis and is thought to rarely result in long-term clinical problems. Venography in 36 cases, however, revealed subclavian stenosis in 18 (50%), of whom five developed clinical problems. The incidence of subclavian-vein stenosis was related to the duration of cathetensation (P <0.05). It may also be more common in black patients. Subclavian catheterisation is therefore not necessarily an ideal form of acute vascular access.

Subclavian vein stenosis, Subclavian dialysis catheters