Subclavian hemodialysis using the two catheter single lumen approach.

Abstract

The subclavian vein has provided a useful vascular access for hemodialysis, both in acute as well as chronic renal failure. We were prompted to do 58 two catheter single lumen subclavian hemodialyses for the following reasons: (A) Marked obesity. (B) Patients with pre-existing aortic iliac synthetic vascular grafts. (C) Use of pre-existing hemodialysis equipment. (D) Decrease in recirculation and lack of high obligatory ultrafiltration as compared to single-needle hemodialysis.