Are catheters safe for long-term use?
Prolonged catheter access can lead to multiple complications, the most common of which is infection. Even with excellent placement technique, bacteria can enter the bloodstream directly through the catheter during dialysis. Bacteria from the skin can also move down the catheter and enter the bloodstream. With catheter infection people develop high fevers and chills and need prompt treatment. Generally physicians must remove the catheter so the body can fight the infection. Another possible complication from long-term catheter use is damage to the main chest vessels, which can lead to stenosis (narrowing) or thrombosis (clotting) of the veins. This type of damage is usually permanent and the vessel – as well as the arm on the side of the vessel – may no longer be useable for dialysis access. Because of these potential complications, physicians make every effort to avoid prolonged catheter use.
