Vascular: Central Venous Dialysis Catheterization Central Venous Dialysis Catheter GeneralCan Use ImmediatelyGenerally a Temporary Measure Until Acute Renal Failure Resolves or More Definitive Access is AvailableProlonged Use Can Induce Central StenosisBest Site: Right Internal Jugular VeinLeft Side Jeopardizes Venous Patency for Future Grafts (Most Patients are Right Hand Dominant)Higher Risk of Stenosis in SubclavianHigher Risk of Infection in FemoralNon-Tunneled Catheter (Vascath)Only Used as a Temporary Measure (< 2-3 Weeks) – High Risk of Infection with Prolonged UseSize: 12-14 Fr (Larger Than Typical Triple Lumen CVC Line)Smaller Size Struggles with Adequate Blood FlowLarger Size Has Higher Risk of DVTMost Often Double-Lumen but Triple-Lumen Catheters are AvailablePlaced Similar to Routine Central Venous Catheter (CVC)*See Surgical Critical Care: Central Venous CatheterTunneled Catheter (Permacath/Hickman)Allows Long-Term Use if Other Options UnavailableTunneled Under the Skin Hickman Catheter 1 References Ludd G. Wikimedia Commons. (License: CC BY-SA-3.0)