Uncommon complications of long-term hemodialysis catheters: Adhesion, migration, and perforation by the catheter tip

Abstract

Use of long-term dialysis catheters (e.g., tunneled dialysis catheters) predisposes patients to complications. While catheter-related bacteremia is one of the commonest encountered complication, there are a series of rare complications, namely catheter adherence to the vessel wall, catheter fracture, and vessel perforation, that can occur. This article attempts to discuss such complications with emphasis on potential risk factors, clinical presentations, and management options. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.